Mozzarella & Pesto Stuffed Chicken Slices are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with creamy mozzarella cheese and aromatic pesto. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)
• 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Mozzarella & Pesto Stuffed Chicken Slices takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Butterfly the Chicken: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each breast horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
2. Season: Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

1. Fill with Pesto and Mozzarella: Spread about 1 tablespoon of pesto inside each chicken pocket, then add a generous amount of mozzarella cheese.
2. Secure the Chicken: Use toothpicks to secure the openings of the chicken breasts, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
2. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Serve

1. Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
2. Slice and Enjoy: Slice the stuffed chicken breasts and serve warm, enjoying the delicious combination of mozzarella and pesto!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Mozzarella & Pesto Stuffed Chicken Slices (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	40g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	2g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	0g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Include spinach or sun-dried tomatoes in the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
• Different Cheeses: Substitute mozzarella with provolone or goat cheese for a different taste.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to enhance the flavor.

Conclusion

Mozzarella & Pesto Stuffed Chicken Slices are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the creamy richness of mozzarella with the fresh flavors of pesto. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this delightful recipe!