Balsamic-Glazed Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Pesto and Parmesan

Tangy balsamic vinegar is reduced into a sweet, syrupy glaze and spooned over chicken stuffed with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese in this Italian-inspired recipe.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 505 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
• toothpicks
• 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
• 6 teaspoons sun-dried tomato oil, divided
• 8 tablespoons basil pesto
• 8 teaspoons drained and chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Cut a pocket 3/4 of the way through the thickest side of each chicken breast. Season chicken with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour 1 teaspoon sun-dried tomato oil on each breast, rubbing it and some of the seasoning inside each pocket. Fill each breast with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons basil pesto, 2 teaspoons sun-dried tomatoes, and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Insert 3 to 4 toothpicks diagonally into each breast to seal.

Step 3

Heat remaining 2 teaspoons sun-dried tomato oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add stuffed chicken breasts and cook until golden, about 2 minutes per side.

Step 4

While the chicken is cooking, mix together balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic in a small bowl. Pour into the skillet around the chicken. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the balsamic glaze has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Spoon some glaze over each breast.

Step 5

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook until cheese has melted and chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 6

Remove toothpicks and drizzle with pan juices to serve.