Cheesy Pesto–Filled Chicken Breasts
Cheesy Pesto–Filled Chicken Breasts deliver juicy poultry wrapped around a lush basil pesto and creamy ricotta center, with melty mozzarella for a rich, comforting bite. Garlic salt, pepper, and Italian-style herbs season the exterior, creating a crisp, savory crust that contrasts the tender interior. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering when you want something satisfying yet elegant.
- Prep15 mins
- Cook35 mins
- Serves4
- DifficultyEasy
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Cheesy Pesto–Filled Chicken Breasts, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 54 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 0 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityGood
- 89 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Processed Culinary Ingredients
- 2 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 9
- Heart Health
- 64
- Metabolic
- 14
- Digestive
- 20
- Inflammatory
- 53
- Performance
- 43
- General Wellness
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Coat a casserole dish with cooking spray.
- 2
With a sharp knife, make a shallow lengthwise cut down the center of the top of each chicken breast, starting and stopping about 1 inch from each end. Partially fold the chicken breast along this cut to continue making shallow, horizontal slices on both sides; the cuts should form an upside-down capital T.
- 3
Spread 1/4 of the ricotta cheese into each pocket. Lay the string cheese and pesto over the ricotta. Season the outsides of the breasts with garlic salt, black pepper, and cantanzaro herbs.
- 4
Set the chicken in the prepared casserole dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
- 5
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 10 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should register at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Calories 466.85 kcal High 23%
- Protein 63.93 g Good Source 128%
- Carbohydrate 6.66 g 2%
- Total Fat 20.89 g High 27%
- Saturated Fat 6.27 g High 31%
- Trans Fat 0.1 g High --
- Cholesterol 174.76 mg High 58%
- Sodium 509.57 mg High 22%
- Dietary Fiber 0.87 g Low Source 3%
- Total Sugars 0.68 g --
- Added Sugars 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Calcium 267.51 mg Good Source 21%
- Iron 2.2 mg Moderate 12%
- Potassium 71.92 mg Low Source 2%
- Vitamin A 113.32 mcg Moderate 13%
- Vitamin C 3.82 mg Low Source 4%
- Vitamin D 0.06 mcg Low Source 0%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Milk 🥛
About This Recipe
Cheesy Pesto Filled Chicken Breasts is made with 8 ingredients and serves 4. It takes about 50 mins and is rated easy. Key ingredients include Black Pepper, Chicken Breast, Cooking Spray, and Garlic Salt. Each serving provides about 466.85 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Cheesy Pesto–Filled Chicken Breasts made of?
- The main ingredients are Black Pepper, Chicken Breast, Cooking Spray, Garlic Salt, Italian Seasoning. The full list of 8 is above.
- How long does it take to make Cheesy Pesto–Filled Chicken Breasts?
- About 50 mins in total: 15 mins to prepare and 35 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 466.85 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Cheesy Pesto–Filled Chicken Breasts easy to make?
- This recipe is rated easy, with 8 ingredients and 5 steps.
- Is Cheesy Pesto–Filled Chicken Breasts healthy?
- Cheesy Pesto–Filled Chicken Breasts has an easyChef Pro health score of 46/100. Per serving, it provides 466.85 calories and 63.93 g of protein, or 128% of the Daily Value. It is a good source of calcium. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 509.57 mg (22% of the Daily Value) and saturated fat at 6.27 g (31% of the Daily Value). It contains Milk, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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