Name: Cheesy Pesto Chicken Breasts Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon crushed black pepper; 1 tablespoon pesto (homemade or store bought); ½ cup mozzarella cheese, sliced thick; ½ cup tomatoes, diced; ½ cup spinach, chopped; 4-5 wooden skewers or toothpicks; Butter, garlic butter or herb butter for topping (optional)

There’s something incredibly comforting about bright, fresh pesto mingling with melty cheese and tender chicken. This Cheesy Pesto Chicken Breasts Recipe is one of those weeknight winners I keep coming back to—it’s simple, packed with flavor, and feels a little fancy without the fuss.

A white plate holds a stuffed cooked chicken piece with three layers: the bottom layer is light beige chicken, the middle layer has dark green spinach leaves and bright red cherry tomato halves, and the top layer is golden-brown chicken sprinkled with small bits of cooked garlic and herbs. There is a light orange oily sauce with herbs scattered on the plate around the chicken. A fork is held by a woman's hand picking up a piece from the chicken. In the background, there is a white bowl with a mix of red tomatoes and green vegetables, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pesto Chicken Breasts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Pesto Chicken Breasts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Pesto Chicken Breasts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this dish hits the sweet spot between straightforward and special. I love how the pesto adds that herbal punch, while the gooey mozzarella makes it feel indulgent. It’s perfect for when you want a meal that’s quick but impressive.

Flavor-packed: The combination of pesto, spinach, and tomatoes keeps every bite fresh and exciting.
Easy prep: You can throw it together in under 10 minutes and have dinner in the oven.
Gourmet feel: Stuffing chicken breasts always makes a dinner feel like you went the extra mile.
Nutritious and low-carb: It’s packed with protein and veggies—great for a busy, healthy lifestyle.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a distinct role — from the savory chicken base to the fresh pesto and creamy mozzarella, everything is balanced to keep the flavors bright and satisfying.

Flat lay of two raw chicken breasts, a small white bowl of vibrant green pesto sauce, thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, diced bright red tomatoes in a white bowl, chopped deep green spinach in a white bowl, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, coarse salt crystals and crushed black peppercorns neatly placed in separate white bowls, a small pat of creamy herb butter on a white dish, arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for stuffing, tender and mild-flavored.
Olive oil: Helps the chicken brown nicely and keeps it moist.
Salt & crushed black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out flavor.
Pesto: The herbaceous heart of the dish, choose homemade or a quality store-bought pesto.
Mozzarella cheese: Offers that lovely melt and mild richness, balancing the pesto.
Tomatoes: Add a fresh, juicy pop that cuts through the richness.
Spinach: A subtle veggie addition that keeps the stuffing light and colorful.
Wooden skewers or toothpicks: To keep the stuffed pockets sealed during baking.
Butter or garlic/herb butter (optional): Adds a luscious finishing touch if you’re feeling indulgent.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep the core of this cheesy pesto chicken intact because it’s already a hit, but I’ve played around with different cheeses and herbs depending on what’s in my fridge or what mood I’m in. You should totally make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes I swap mozzarella for goat cheese or add a sprinkle of parmesan on top before baking for an extra savory kick.
Dietary tweaks: Using dairy-free cheese or skipping the butter topping works well if you want a lighter or allergen-conscious meal.
Add-ins: Toss in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or fresh basil to up the flavor game even more.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pesto Chicken Breasts Recipe

The image shows two white plates, each with a cooked chicken breast that has a light brown, slightly speckled surface with visible seasoning. Each chicken breast is stuffed with dark green spinach leaves and small pieces of red tomato inside, creating a layered look. On top and around the chicken, there are scattered bits of chopped herbs and minced garlic adding green and orange colors with a slightly oily texture. The plates are placed on a white marbled surface. To the left, there is a small white bowl filled with halved red cherry tomatoes. On the right side, there is a glass of clear water and a fork and knife with silver and white handles placed neatly on a white marble board with dark lines. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Pockets

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. With a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast lengthwise from the thicker side almost all the way through the other side, creating a pocket—think of it like opening a book. This step takes a bit of focus to avoid slicing through, but it’s totally worth it for the stuffed chicken magic.

Step 2: Season and Stuff

Rub the outside of your chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper—don’t skip this, it seals in flavor. Spoon half a tablespoon of pesto inside each pocket, spreading it around. Then tuck in thick slices of mozzarella, followed by diced tomatoes and a generous handful of chopped spinach. The colors and layers here just look so inviting!

Step 3: Secure and Bake

Secure each pocket with wooden skewers or toothpicks so the filling holds tight during baking. Lightly grease a baking dish, nestle your chicken breasts in, and pop it in the oven for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through, with cheese perfectly melted inside.

Step 4: Rest and Finish

Once out of the oven, cover and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This is key to keep it juicy. If you want to elevate it a bit more, spoon over some garlic or herb butter while it’s hot—it melts into a beautiful glossy finish and adds an irresistible aroma.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, a couple of tips to make sure your Cheesy Pesto Chicken Breasts Recipe turns out perfect every time.

Chicken Pocket Cutting: Use a very sharp knife and slice slowly to make a clean pocket without cutting through. If you’re nervous, a small paring knife works great.
Moisture Lock: Don’t skip the olive oil rub—it keeps the chicken juicy and prevents drying out in the oven.
Resting Time: Let the chicken rest covered after baking for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute. It really makes a difference in tenderness.
Skewer Security: Use extra skewers if the pocket seems loose to avoid losing the delicious filling during baking.

How to Serve Cheesy Pesto Chicken Breasts Recipe

Cheesy Pesto Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle freshly chopped basil or a few shavings of parmesan on top just before serving—adds freshness and a lovely pop of color. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil finishes it off beautifully.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a light meal, or you can serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter pasta to make things extra comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I slice the stuffed breasts into medallions to display the colorful filling inside. Arranging them on a platter with some roasted cherry tomatoes and herb sprigs never fails to impress dinner guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the chicken cools, I wrap each breast tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If I want to freeze leftovers, I skip adding fresh herbs or butter first. Wrap each breast in plastic wrap, then foil, or freeze in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 2 months and thaws nicely overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

I gently reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to keep moisture in. Microwaving works too but can dry the chicken out, so the oven is my go-to for keeping it tender and cheesy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, but because they’re thicker and cook differently, you might need to adjust the baking time. Also, creating a pocket might be trickier with thighs due to their shape.

What’s the best way to prevent the filling from leaking?

Securing the pockets with a couple of wooden skewers or toothpicks really helps. Make sure you don’t overstuff the pockets either—that can cause filling to squeeze out during baking. Also, bake the chicken seam-side down initially to reduce leaks.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor boost. Skip the butter topping or use a dairy-free herb spread to keep things allergen-friendly.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The juices should run clear when cut. Also, the cheese inside should look melted and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pesto Chicken Breasts Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something that feels special yet comes together quickly. It’s comforting, colorful, and packed with flavors that always get compliments. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it really feels like sharing a little kitchen love with every bite!