Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh broccoli, finely chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil To make a tasty broccoli stuffed chicken breast, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Start with the chicken. Choose boneless and skinless pieces. They cook fast and are easy to stuff. Next, you need fresh broccoli. Chop it finely. This helps mix it well into the stuffing. Cream cheese adds a creamy texture. It binds everything together. Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses give a nice flavor. The cheddar melts well, while Parmesan adds a salty touch. For flavor, add garlic and onion powder. They make the filling taste great. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. Finally, olive oil is key for cooking. It helps brown the chicken and adds flavor. With these ingredients, you are ready to create a delicious dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature cooks the chicken evenly. 2. Prepare the broccoli mixture In a bowl, mix 1 cup of finely chopped broccoli, 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until smooth. 3. Stuff the chicken breasts Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Carefully cut a pocket in each breast, but do not cut all the way through. Fill each pocket with the broccoli mixture. Use toothpicks to keep them closed if needed. 4. Season the chicken breasts Sprinkle salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika on both sides of each stuffed chicken breast. This adds flavor and color. 1. Searing the chicken Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. 2. Baking in the oven Move the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). 3. Checking for doneness After baking, check that the juices run clear when you cut into the chicken. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and tender. To make the best stuffed chicken, start by ensuring even cooking. Use chicken breasts that are uniform in size. This helps them cook at the same rate. You can also pound them slightly to make them flatter. Choosing the right chicken breasts is key. Look for boneless and skinless options. These types are easier to stuff and cook faster. Fresh chicken is best, but thawed frozen breasts work too. For more flavor, consider adding spices or herbs to the filling. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the dish. Garlic powder or red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. If you need dairy-free options, swap the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese. You might also try mashed avocado for a creamy texture. Coconut yogurt can also work well and add a unique flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also adds vibrant color and nutrition to your dish. Avoid frozen broccoli for this recipe. Secure the Filling: If you're having trouble keeping the filling inside the chicken, use kitchen twine to tie the chicken breasts securely after stuffing. Let it Rest: Allowing the stuffed chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking helps redistribute the juices, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix and match different cheeses, such as mozzarella or feta, to customize the flavor profile of your stuffed chicken. {{image_2}} You can change the filling to fit your taste. Try other veggies like spinach or bell peppers. They add flavor and nutrients. You can also mix in some cooked bacon or sausage for extra protein. This makes the dish heartier and more filling. Just chop these ingredients small so they fit well in the chicken. You can cook your broccoli stuffed chicken in many ways. If you want a quicker option, use an air fryer. This gives you a crispy outside and juicy inside in less time. Just set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 25 minutes. Grilling the chicken is another fun method. It adds a nice smoky flavor. Just heat your grill to medium heat and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. For a hands-off approach, use a slow cooker. Just place the stuffed chicken in the pot. Add a little broth for moisture. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. This makes the chicken very tender and flavorful. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This keeps the chicken fresh for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. For the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals until hot. Meal prepping helps you save time during busy weeks. You can prepare the broccoli filling ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, stuff the chicken breasts. This keeps your meal fresh and easy. Portioning is key for future meals. Slice the stuffed chicken into servings. Place each piece in its own container. This way, you grab and go for lunch or dinner. It makes healthy eating much easier! Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and chop it finely. Be sure to drain excess water to avoid a soggy filling. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear when you cut into it. What sides go well with broccoli stuffed chicken breast? Great sides include roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes. These pair nicely with the rich flavors of the chicken. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and filling a day ahead. Just store the stuffed chicken in the fridge until you're ready to cook. Is it possible to grill stuffed chicken breasts? Absolutely! You can grill them. Just be careful to keep the heat medium to avoid burning the outside while cooking the inside. This blog post covered how to make delicious stuffed chicken breasts. We explored the key ingredients, preparation, and cooking steps. I shared tips for perfecting your dish, variations for creativity, and smart storage practices. Remember, you can customize fillings and try different cooking methods to suit your taste. With this guide, you’re now ready to impress with your cooking. Enjoy every bite of your flavorful creation!$

Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast

A delicious chicken breast stuffed with a creamy broccoli filling, perfect for a hearty meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh broccoli, finely chopped
1 cup cream cheese, softened
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika (for seasoning)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast, ensuring you do not cut all the way through.
Stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli mixture, using toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary.
Season both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve on a platter with olive oil and parsley for garnish. Pair with roasted vegetables or salad.

Keyword broccoli, chicken, dinner, stuffed chicken