Mozzarella Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipes

Steps:

• If using Homemade Pesto, place basil and pine nuts in food processor. Cover; process a few times with on-and-off pulses. Add garlic; pulse a few times. Slowly add oil in stream while processor is running, stopping to scrape down sides of processor with rubber spatula. Add Parmesan cheese; pulse until blended.
• Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
• To butterfly each chicken breast, start at long side and cut in half horizontally, cutting almost but not completely through. Open chicken and flatten to resemble butterfly shape.
• Spread 1/4 cup Homemade Pesto onto each chicken breast; top each with 1 slice mozzarella cheese. Wrap chicken around cheese; secure with toothpicks.
• In large bowl, mix bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Coat chicken with bread crumbs; place in baking dish.
• Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Cut into slices to serve.

Steps:

• Pre-heat grill to high heat.
• Oil grill with light coat of oil (for charcoal oil before heating).
• Rinse chicken;pat dry.
• With sharp knife, cut a pocket deep lengthwise into the edge of each chicken breast. be careful not to cut all the way through.
• Season chicken with pepper.
• Spread 1 tablespoon pesto into each pocket.
• Fill each pocket with 1/4 of mozzarella balls and 1/4 of the red pepper slices.
• Spread remaining pesto over outside of chicken breasts to give it a light, even coating.
• Lay chicken on oil grill. Close lid.
• Cook until browned on bottom (about 7 minutes).
• Turn and continue cooking until browned on other side and no longer pink in center; about 7 minutes longer (carefully cut to test).
• Serve hot with some crusty bread, a tossed green salad, and fresh fruit.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• Cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Evenly stuff pocket of each chicken breast with 1 slice mozzarella cheese and 1 tablespoon pesto.
• Beat together eggs and remaining 1 tablespoon pesto in a bowl. Place Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish. Dip chicken in egg mixture and then coat with Parmesan cheese. Place coated chicken breast onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices are running clear, 20 to 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Steps:

• 1. Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for direct, high heat (you can hold your hand 1 to 2 in. above the cooking grate only 2 to 3 seconds; visit our Grilling Essential section for complete instructions). 2. While grill heats, with a sharp knife, cut a pocket lengthwise in the edge of each chicken breast half, taking care to avoid cutting through to the other side. Season chicken pieces on both sides with pepper. Spread about 1 tbsp. pesto inside each pocket, then fill each with 1/4 of the mozzarella balls and 1/4 of the roasted red pepper slices. Rub remaining pesto over exterior of chicken to coat lightly. 3. Place chicken on oiled cooking grate; cover gas grill. Cook, turning once with a wide spatula, until meat is browned and no longer pink in center (cut to test, but do not disturb filling), about 15 minutes total.