Pesto Stuffed Chicken Thighs
Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, these Pesto Stuffed Chicken Thighs are a must-try recipe that elevates weeknight dinners to gourmet status. Featuring boneless, skinless chicken thighs filled with a homemade basil pesto made from fresh basil leaves, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic, this dish combines vibrant, herbaceous flavors with a hint of nutty richness. Rolled, secured, and roasted to golden perfection, the chicken is irresistibly moist and perfectly seasoned. Ready in under an hour, this crowd-pleasing meal is perfect for entertaining or serving your family something special. Pair these delicious stuffed chicken thighs with roasted veggies or a crisp salad for an unforgettable meal. With its quick prep time, classic Mediterranean ingredients, and impressive presentation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen repertoire.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.333 cup pine nuts
- 2 whole garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 pieces toothpicks
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the pesto by combining basil leaves, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.
Lay the chicken thighs flat on a cutting board. Spread approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of pesto onto one side of each thigh.
Roll the chicken thighs tightly around the pesto and secure them with toothpicks to hold the stuffing inside.
Place the stuffed chicken thighs seam-side down in a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
Brush the outside of the chicken with a little olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks before plating.
Serve warm with your choice of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2951 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 240.1 g | 308% | |
| Saturated Fat | 52.7 g | 264% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 15.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 830 mg | 277% | |
| Sodium | 4253 mg | 185% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 9.9 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 196.0 g | 392% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 1031 mg | 79% | |
| Iron | 9.6 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 1869 mg | 40% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
