Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish takes all the comfort of broccoli and cheese and wraps it inside a juicy, tender chicken breast. The creamy cheese and crunchy broccoli create a perfect filling that pairs beautifully with the mild flavor of the chicken. The best part is that it’s easy to make and looks impressive when served, making it a great choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, it’s a complete meal all on its own!

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup fresh broccoli, chopped into small florets

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)

  • 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for seasoning)

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Prepare the chicken: Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

  3. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese until well combined.

  4. Stuff the chicken: Carefully stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli and cheese mixture, making sure the filling is evenly distributed. Use toothpicks to secure the opening of each chicken breast if necessary.

  5. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown.

  6. Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  7. Optional topping: If you’d like to add a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the chicken breasts during the last 5 minutes of baking and bake until golden brown.

  8. Serve: Remove the toothpicks (if used) and serve the chicken hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

  • Use different cheese: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for different flavors.

  • Make it spicy: Add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.

  • Make it low-carb: Skip the breadcrumbs topping and serve the stuffed chicken with a side of vegetables for a low-carb meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s wattage.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for the stuffing?

Fresh broccoli works best for this recipe because it holds its texture better during baking. If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I use other vegetables in the stuffing?

Yes, you can add or swap vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or even bell peppers to the stuffing for added flavor.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time, cover them, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

4. Can I bake these stuffed chicken breasts without searing them first?

You can, but searing the chicken breasts before baking helps create a nice golden crust and locks in moisture. If you prefer, you can skip the searing step and bake the chicken directly, but the texture might be a little different.

5. Can I make this dish without cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even ricotta cheese for a different texture and flavor.

6. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make meal that brings together all the best flavors of cheesy, creamy goodness in a tender chicken breast. It’s a simple recipe that looks impressive and can be easily customized to fit your tastes. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to satisfy and become a family favorite!

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Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

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Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and creamy cheese in every bite. This easy-to-make recipe takes a simple chicken breast and transforms it into a savory, satisfying meal. The combination of cheesy broccoli filling and seasoned chicken makes this dish perfect for dinner, and it’s sure to be a family favorite.

  • Author: Catherine
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh broccoli, chopped into small florets
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for seasoning)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. In a bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese until well combined.
  4. Carefully stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli and cheese mixture, making sure the filling is evenly distributed. Use toothpicks to secure the opening of each chicken breast if necessary.
  5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. If you’d like to add a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the chicken breasts during the last 5 minutes of baking and bake until golden brown.
  8. Remove the toothpicks (if used) and serve the chicken hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

You can use different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for a variation in flavor.For extra flavor,.If you like a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling.For a low-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs and serve the stuffed chicken with a side of vegetables instead.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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