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Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast


  • Author: Brooklyn
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free Option

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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