Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, chopped small - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To create this tasty dish, gather all the ingredients first. The chicken breasts serve as the main feature. They hold the creamy, cheesy filling inside. Fresh broccoli adds color and crunch. Cheddar cheese gives that rich, savory flavor. Cream cheese makes the filling smooth and creamy. Next, seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder enhance the taste. Black pepper and salt bring out all the flavors. Olive oil is key for searing the chicken and adding richness. If you want extra crunch, consider adding breadcrumbs on top. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh parsley. This dish is sure to impress with its hearty and savory flavors. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step gets your oven ready for baking. 2. In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well until everything is creamy and well-combined. - To create pockets in the chicken breasts, place each one on a cutting board. Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each breast. Make sure not to cut through the other side. - Next, fill each pocket with the broccoli cheese mixture. Use your hands to stuff them generously, ensuring even filling in each breast. 1. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet. 2. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they turn a nice golden brown. This step adds great flavor. 3. After searing, transfer the chicken to a baking dish. If you want, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch. 4. Bake the chicken in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it's fully cooked. 5. When done, take the chicken out and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. 6. Finally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish. - How to achieve the best flavor Start with fresh, quality ingredients. Fresh broccoli brings a bright taste. Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor. Mixing garlic and onion powder adds depth. A sprinkle of salt enhances all the flavors. - Tips for tender chicken Always pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly. Searing the chicken in olive oil adds a nice crust. Baking it afterward keeps it juicy. Letting the chicken rest before slicing helps retain moisture. - Ideal side dishes Serve this dish with a light salad for balance. Roasted vegetables pair well for added nutrition. Mashed potatoes or rice can soak up the cheesy goodness. A side of garlic bread is also a hit. - Presentation ideas for serving Slice the chicken in half to show off the colorful stuffing. Arrange on a nice plate with fresh parsley on top. Drizzle a little olive oil or balsamic glaze for shine. Use a colorful side to make the plate pop. Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will give a better texture and flavor compared to frozen. Make sure to chop it finely for even stuffing. Seal the Chicken Well: Ensure the chicken pockets are fully sealed after stuffing to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different types of cheese such as mozzarella or gouda for varied flavors and textures. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. {{image_2}} You can make Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken even more fun by changing a few ingredients. - Using different cheeses: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack. Each cheese brings a unique flavor. For a more robust taste, try gouda or feta. They melt well and add a nice twist. - Alternative vegetables for stuffing: You don’t have to stick with broccoli. Try spinach, kale, or bell peppers instead. Each veggie pairs nicely with cheese and chicken. You can even mix veggies for added texture and taste. Switching up how you cook your chicken can lead to tasty results. - Grilling vs. baking: Grilling gives a smoky flavor. Cook the stuffed chicken on medium heat until it reaches 165°F (75°C). Baking is easy and keeps the chicken juicy. Just follow the oven instructions for great results. - Instant Pot or slow cooker method: For a quicker meal, use an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. For a rich flavor, use a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Both methods keep the chicken moist and flavorful. These variations make your meal unique and keep things exciting in the kitchen. To keep your Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken fresh, start by letting it cool. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This will keep moisture in and prevent strong smells from mixing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze it. Frozen leftovers can last up to three months. When it’s time to reheat, you want to avoid drying out your chicken. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps the moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it warms up. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for one minute, then check and heat more if needed. Enjoy your meal again! Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, you can! Prepare the stuffed chicken and store it in the fridge. Cover it well. You can bake it later. This makes dinner easy and quick. What are the best sides to serve with Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken? Some great sides are: - Steamed rice - Mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - A fresh salad These sides add balance and flavor to your meal. Is this recipe gluten-free? The recipe can be gluten-free if you skip the breadcrumbs. Just make sure to check other ingredients for gluten. Suggestions for low-carb adaptations For a low-carb meal, you can: - Use less cream cheese - Skip the breadcrumbs - Add more broccoli These changes keep the dish tasty while reducing carbs. In this post, we explored how to make a delicious broccoli cheese stuffed chicken. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to ensure tender, flavorful chicken. You learned how to store leftovers and even how to reheat them well. Remember, you can customize the recipe with different cheeses and cooking methods. Don’t hesitate to try out those variations! Knowing these tricks helps you enjoy this dish any night of the week. Enjoy your cooking journey and impress your family with this tasty meal!$

Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Delicious chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy broccoli and cheese filling.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
0.25 teaspoon onion powder
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
to taste salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
0.25 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and creamy.
Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully cut a pocket into the side of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Generously stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli cheese mixture.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of each stuffed breast for an extra crunch.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving for an added touch of color.

Notes

Feel free to add more spices or herbs to the stuffing for extra flavor.

Keyword broccoli, cheese, chicken, stuffed chicken