Pesto Mozzarella and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts

A Delicious, Elegant Meal Made Easy – Perfect for Weeknight Dinners or Outdoor Picnics

When it comes to wholesome, satisfying dinners that feel restaurant-worthy but are surprisingly easy to prepare, few meals compare to Pesto Mozzarella and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Imagine tender chicken breasts filled with creamy fresh mozzarella, vibrant basil pesto, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes—baked to perfection and oozing with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that delivers comfort, elegance, and nutrition in one juicy, melty bite.

Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or packing a fancy picnic spread, this filled chicken breast recipe is your go-to. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and flexible serving options make it a reliable favorite.

🧺 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a superstar for home cooks because it:

✅ Feels fancy but is super easy to make
✅ Is perfect for everything from weeknight meals to easy picnic dinner ideas
✅ Pairs effortlessly with a variety of sides
✅ Offers tasty healthy recipes for dinner that won’t derail your nutrition goals
✅ Is protein-rich and low-carb friendly
✅ Delivers incredible Mediterranean-inspired flavor

📝 Ingredients List – What You Need

Este fresh mozzarella recipe meal is simple to shop for and quick to prepare. Here’s what you need:

Chicken & Filling

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh mozzarella (cut into slices or shredded)
½ cup tomates secos ao sol, chopped (use dry or oil-packed)
⅓ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp azeite de oliva (para abrasador)

Optional Filling Additions

1 small handful baby spinach
A few fresh basil leaves
1–2 tbsp queijo Parmesão ralado for extra flavor
1 clove alho, minced (for a bold punch)

Garnish

Chopped parsley or basil
Drizzle of balsamic glaze or olive oil

🍗 How to Make Pesto Mozzarella and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts

This recipe may sound gourmet, but it only takes about 10 minutes to prep e 25–30 minutes to bake. Perfect for busy evenings!

Passo 1: Preparar o Frango

Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, creating a deep pocket. Be careful not to slice all the way through. Season the inside and outside with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Assemble the Filling

Layer inside each breast:

A teaspoon or two of pesto
Slices of fresh mozzarella
A few pieces of sun-dried tomato

Optionally, add espinafre and a sprinkle of Parmesan for more texture and nutrients.

Step 3: Secure the Chicken

Close the chicken over the filling and use toothpicks ou kitchen twine to secure. This keeps the cheese from oozing out too soon during cooking.

Step 4: Sear (Optional but Adds Flavor)

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each side of the stuffed chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes until golden.

Passo 5: Assar

Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) or move the seared chicken to a baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

Passo 6: Descanso e Servir

Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices and cheese to settle. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

🧀 Ingredient Notes and Tips

🌿 Pesto

Use homemade pesto for the best flavor. You can also switch it up com sun-dried tomato pesto ou spinach walnut pesto for variation.

🧀 Fresh Mozzarella

For that iconic cheesy stretch, opt for fresh mozzarella balls or logs. Shredded mozzarella works too but has less moisture and flavor.

🍅 Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Use oil-packed tomatoes for richness or dry sun-dried tomatoes rehydrated in warm water for a more concentrated flavor.

🥗 What to Serve with Stuffed Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, whether you’re serving it hot at home or cold at a picnic.

Hot Dinner Sides:

Garlic herb roasted potatoes
Steamed asparagus or green beans
Creamy mashed cauliflower or parsnip purée
Pesto quinoa or herbed couscous

Cold Picnic Sides:

Chickpea cucumber salad
Pesto pasta salad
Caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella
Grilled zucchini and eggplant slices

🧑‍🍳 Chef’s Tips for Success

Use evenly sized breasts for uniform cooking.
Don’t overfill—too much stuffing makes the chicken harder to seal.
Secure tightly with toothpicks and place seam-side down in the pan.
Searing before baking adds a caramelized flavor and seals juices inside.
Let it rest before slicing for cleaner presentation and better texture.

🔁 Variations You’ll Love

💛 Italian Classic

Swap sun-dried tomatoes for fresh tomato slices and drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving.

🥬 Spinach Ricotta

Use a filling of ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, and garlic for a lasagna-inspired twist.

🧄 Cream Cheese & Herb

Combine softened cream cheese with chopped chives, garlic, and parsley for a creamy herb filling.

🧆 Meat Lover’s

Add chopped cooked pancetta or turkey bacon inside the chicken for a hearty protein-packed dinner.

🧊 Storage, Freezing & Reheating

To Store:

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

Wrap cooled chicken tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Store up to 2 meses.

To Reheat:

Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes
Microwave: Use medium power to avoid overcooking the chicken or melting the cheese too quickly

🧺 Picnic-Perfect Planning Guide

Want to take this dish to the park or beach? Here’s how to make it picnic-ready:

✅ Meal Prep Steps:

Bake the chicken fully ahead of time
Let it cool completely before wrapping
Store in individual containers or wrap in parchment + foil
Pack a side salad, fruit, and a refreshing drink like iced tea or sparkling water

✅ Pack with:

Pesto pasta salad or couscous
Olives, pickles, and crackers
A small bottle of balsamic glaze to drizzle before eating
Mini mozzarella balls or cheese wedges

This recipe easily becomes the centerpiece of a picnic basket that’s both flavorful and elegant—perfect for date nights under the stars or family meals in the park.

🥄 Nutritional Profile (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 420
Proteína: 38g
Fat: 25g
Carbs: 6g
Fibra: 1g

This meal fits easily into low-carb diets, keto, Mediterraneane limpa comer styles. It’s also gluten-free and rich in calcium and healthy fats thanks to the mozzarella and olive oil.

🧡 Why This Dish Is So Popular

This chicken breast recipe combines flavor, flexibilitye presentation appeal. It’s the kind of dish you can:

Serve on a date night
Pack for a scenic picnic
Use to impress dinner guests
Meal prep on a Sunday night

It’s comforting but not heavy, healthy without being boring, and looks far more complicated than it actually is.

In the world of craft food—meals that balance homemade quality with beautiful plating—this one is a standout. The contrast of white cheese, green pesto, and deep red tomatoes also makes it a visual treat, perfect for sharing on social media.

🧾 Final Thoughts – A Must-Make for All Seasons

Whether you’re a weeknight dinner warrior, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone looking for an easy yet impressive meal, this Pesto Mozzarella and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

It brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors with practical ingredients, cooks in under 40 minutes, and offers endless variations. Eat it hot or cold, dress it up or keep it simple—the choice is yours.

Add this recipe to your favorites, pin it to your dinner board, and make it part of your rotating healthy dinner lineup.