Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy broccoli filling. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Here’s how you can make it:
Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small (about 1 medium head of broccoli)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for flavor and color)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Directions:
1. Prepare the broccoli filling:
- Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they’re tender (about 2-3 minutes in boiling water or in the microwave with a little water). Once cooked, drain well and chop them into smaller pieces.
- In a medium bowl, mix the steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
2. Prepare the chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the thickest part of the breast (but not all the way through). Be careful not to cut all the way to the edges, leaving a hinge.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) on both sides.
3. Stuff the chicken:
- Spoon the broccoli cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, pressing it down gently to fit as much as possible. You can use toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary.
4. Cook the chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Once seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Optional: Add Parmesan:
- About 5 minutes before the chicken is done, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the stuffed chicken breasts and return the skillet to the oven to melt and brown the cheese.
6. Serve:
- Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve the stuffed chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.
Tips:
- Cheese Variations: You can use other types of cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a little cream cheese for a smoother filling.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts the night before, refrigerate them, and bake them the next day for an even quicker dinner.
- Searing: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the chicken in a regular skillet and transfer it to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven.
This Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is a simple and delicious way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, cheesy, and nutritious filling. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or when you want to impress guests without much effort! Enjoy!