Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal! Imagine tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of broccoli and cheese, all baked to perfection in the oven. This recipe is easy to prepare and sure to become a new family favorite. It’s a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavorful and Cheesy: The combination of broccoli and cheese creates a creamy and flavorful filling that complements the chicken perfectly.
  • Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
  • Healthy and Satisfying: Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, and broccoli is packed with nutrients, making this dish a healthy and satisfying choice.
  • Versatile: Serve these stuffed chicken breasts with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Use high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
  • Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
  • Onion powder and garlic powder: Add a subtle savory flavor.
  • Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and vibrant color.
  • Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and prevent sticking.

For the Filling

  • Broccoli: Chopped into small pieces for easy stuffing and even cooking.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp and cheesy flavor.
  • Cream cheese: Creates a creamy and decadent filling.
  • Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory kick.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: Season the filling to perfection.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Preheat and Season Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a small dish, combine the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and rub the seasoning mixture all over them, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

Carefully cut a wide pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli and cheese filling.

Step 4: Sear and Bake

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the stuffed chicken breasts on each side until golden brown. You may need to do this in two batches depending on the size of your skillet and chicken breasts. Transfer all 4 chicken breasts to the skillet and place the skillet in the oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting1 in more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use high-quality chicken: For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality chicken breasts.
  • Don’t overstuff the chicken: Overstuffing the chicken can prevent it from cooking evenly.
  • Use a meat thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
  • Let the chicken rest: Resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
  • Make ahead: You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

How to Serve

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

These Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts are delicious with a variety of sides:

  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for this dish.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy and colorful touch.
  • Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

2. Can I add other ingredients to the filling? Definitely! Chopped spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions to the filling.

3. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and forgiving than chicken breasts, so they’re a great option for this recipe.

4. Can I make this recipe without searing the chicken first? Yes, you can! Searing the chicken helps to create a golden brown crust and adds flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.

This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. With its creamy filling, tender chicken, and versatile serving options, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Bake, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

 This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a healthy meal! Tender chicken breasts are filled with a creamy broccoli and cheese mixture, then baked to perfection. It’s an easy and elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the Chicken:

    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
    • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • For the Filling:

    • 2 cups chopped broccoli florets (smaller pieces)
    • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Season: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small dish, combine salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Drizzle chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and rub with the seasoning mixture.
  2. Make Filling: In a bowl, combine chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Stuff Chicken: Cut a wide pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff each breast with the broccoli and cheese filling.
  4. Sear and Bake: Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear stuffed chicken breasts on each side until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Notes

  • You can use any type of cheese you like for the filling, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
  • If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the chicken on the stovetop and then transfer it to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven.
  • Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

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