Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious, savory dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy filling. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Here’s how you can make it:
Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese like mozzarella or a cheese blend)
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1 tsp dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning) (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the broccoli:
- Steam or microwave the broccoli until tender (about 4-5 minutes if using fresh or 1-2 minutes if using frozen). Chop it into small pieces once it’s cooked and cooled slightly. Set aside.
- Make the cheese filling:
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add the chopped broccoli and stir until the mixture is evenly mixed.
- Prepare the chicken breasts:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast (be careful not to cut all the way through). Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and dried herbs if using.
- Stuff the chicken breasts:
- Spoon the broccoli and cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast. You can use toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary, or just press the chicken together to keep the filling inside.
- Cook the chicken:
Option 1: Pan-Seared and Baked
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Once the chicken is seared, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Option 2: Baked Only
- If you don’t want to sear the chicken, you can also bake the stuffed chicken directly. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve:
- Let the stuffed chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the filling inside.
- Serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Tips:
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
- Extra cheese: For a gooier filling, you can add more shredded cheese to the filling or top the chicken with extra cheese before baking.
- Chicken thighs option: If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe as well.
This Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for dinner and is sure to impress your family or guests! Enjoy!