Description
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is a nutritious and indulgent dish featuring tender, boneless chicken breasts filled with vibrant broccoli florets and melted cheddar cheese. This recipe offers a perfect balance of protein and fiber, making it ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner with a restaurant-quality presentation. Easy to customize and packed with flavor, it combines simple ingredients for a creamy, satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian herbs
Filling
- 1 cup broccoli florets, fresh or lightly steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Steam small broccoli florets until just tender but still vibrant green. In a mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli with shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently until the ingredients are evenly mixed and set aside.
- Prep the Chicken: Rinse and pat dry boneless chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a horizontal cut along the side of each breast to create a pocket, being careful not to slice all the way through.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill each chicken pocket with the broccoli and cheese mixture, packing it in evenly without overstuffing. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Season and Sear: Rub the entire chicken breast with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Bake to Finish: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Chicken thickness matters: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking and easy stuffing.
- Don’t overstuff: Overfilling can cause the filling to spill out and the chicken to cook unevenly.
- Use toothpicks: Secure the opening to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
- Rest before slicing: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking to lock in juices and keep it moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: Broccoli stuffed chicken, cheese stuffed chicken, stuffed chicken breast, healthy chicken recipes, easy weeknight dinners