Description: This Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a flavorful and satisfying meal. Tender chicken is filled with a creamy, cheesy, and veggie-packed mixture, then seared to golden perfection and baked until juicy. It’s a comforting, healthy, and surprisingly easy dish to prepare.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Delicious and Flavorful: The combination of savory chicken, creamy cheddar cheese, and fresh broccoli is irresistible. The garlic powder and Italian seasoning add depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile, making each bite a delight.
- Healthy and Balanced: This recipe offers a great balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more broccoli into your diet, and the protein from the chicken keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make. The stuffing comes together quickly, and the searing and baking process is straightforward.
- Versatile: This dish can be served with a variety of sides, making it a versatile option for weeknight dinners or special occasions. You can customize the cheese and seasonings to suit your preferences.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken is sure to be a hit. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Introduction
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken is a dish that elevates the humble chicken breast to a culinary delight. It takes a familiar concept – stuffing – and combines it with classic flavors that everyone loves. This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want something a little bit special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
The magic lies in the creamy, cheesy broccoli filling that infuses the chicken with moisture and flavor. Each bite is a harmonious blend of tender chicken, melted cheddar, and slightly softened broccoli florets. The searing process adds a beautiful golden crust to the chicken, enhancing both its texture and visual appeal.
This recipe is also a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your family’s diet. The broccoli is seamlessly integrated into the cheesy filling, making it a delicious and appealing component of the meal.
Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight staple or a dish to impress your guests, this Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken recipe is a winner. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon total (split in half)
- Paprika, ½ teaspoon
- Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the chicken breasts. Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, carefully slice it horizontally to create a pocket. Be mindful not to cut all the way through to the other side; you want to create a pouch that can be stuffed. Aim to leave about ½ inch of thickness on the bottom so the filling doesn’t spill out. This step is crucial for creating a generous space for the cheesy broccoli filling. After slicing, gently flatten the chicken breasts slightly with the palm of your hand to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the garlic powder (about ½ teaspoon). Be generous with the seasoning to ensure that the chicken is flavorful on its own, even before adding the filling. The paprika adds a subtle smoky note and a beautiful color to the seared chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli Cheddar Filling
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and the remaining garlic powder (the other ½ teaspoon). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. The cream cheese should be soft enough to easily blend with the other ingredients, creating a smooth and creamy texture. This filling is the heart of the dish, so make sure the flavors are well balanced and appealing to your taste.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Carefully stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli and cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling, but don’t overstuff the chicken, as the filling may spill out during cooking. Once stuffed, secure the openings of each chicken breast with toothpicks. This will help keep the filling inside the chicken while it’s being seared and baked. Insert the toothpicks at an angle to ensure they hold the edges of the chicken together securely.
Step 5: Sear and Bake the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this will help create a nice sear. Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into the hot skillet and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. Searing the chicken adds a delicious crust and helps to seal in the juices, resulting in a more flavorful and moist final product. Once seared, transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Before serving, carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts.
COOKING Rating: Intermediate (due to slicing and stuffing)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
- Pair with a simple salad for a light and healthy meal.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice for a more substantial dish.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips:
- Use a sharp knife when slicing the chicken breasts to create a clean and even pocket.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and a smoother filling.
- Don’t overstuff the chicken breasts to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the top of the chicken before baking.
- You can use different types of cheese for the filling, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or pepper jack.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 350mg
Conclusion
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken is a versatile and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of savory chicken, creamy cheese, and nutritious broccoli makes it a well-rounded and satisfying meal. The ease of preparation, coupled with its impressive flavor profile, makes it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. From weeknight dinners to special gatherings, this dish is sure to impress and delight your family and friends. Embrace the simplicity and savor the exquisite taste of this comforting and wholesome recipe.
Questions and Answers about Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken:
1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
- Answer: Absolutely! Frozen broccoli florets work perfectly well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before chopping and adding them to the cheese mixture. Thawing ensures the broccoli doesn’t make the filling watery and that it cooks evenly during baking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the microwave on a defrost setting, but be careful not to overcook them.
2. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
- Answer: Yes, you can definitely prepare the chicken ahead of time to save time later. You can stuff the chicken breasts with the broccoli cheddar mixture, secure them with toothpicks, and then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. When you’re ready to cook, simply sear and bake as directed in the recipe. Keep in mind that the cooking time might need to be slightly adjusted if the chicken is very cold from being refrigerated.
3. What other cheeses can I use besides cheddar?
- Answer: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, and you can experiment with various cheeses to create different flavor profiles. Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the broccoli. Gruyere cheese adds a nutty and slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with the cheddar. Pepper jack cheese will give the dish a spicy kick, while provolone offers a creamy and mild alternative. Feel free to mix and match different cheeses to find your perfect combination.
4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
- Answer: The most reliable way to determine if the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, making sure not to touch any bone or filling. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut into the center of the chicken breast; the juices should run clear, and there should be no pink meat. However, using a meat thermometer is always the most accurate method.
5. Can I bake the chicken without searing it first?
- Answer: While searing the chicken is highly recommended for enhancing both flavor and texture, you can bake it without searing if you prefer. Searing creates a golden-brown crust that adds a delicious depth of flavor and helps to seal in the juices, keeping the chicken moist. However, if you’re short on time or prefer to skip this step, you can simply bake the stuffed chicken breasts in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken may not have the same golden crust, but it will still be delicious and fully cooked. You can also add a little bit of melted butter over the top before you bake it for a slight improvement in browning.
