Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

When it comes to creating a dinner that’s both nutritious and incredibly satisfying, Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast hits all the right notes. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy, cheesy broccoli mixture, then baked to perfection—every bite oozing with flavor. This recipe is great for family dinners, date nights, or even meal prep. It’s low-carb, protein-rich, and delivers on taste!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

This recipe is designed to be simple, yet impressive. Let’s walk through the process to ensure your dish comes out perfectly.

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when you’re done prepping the chicken.

2. Prepare the Broccoli Cheese Filling

1. Cook the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, blanch the florets by boiling them for 2-3 minutes until bright green, then drain and chop finely. For frozen broccoli, thaw and chop it.
2. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated and form a creamy filling.

3. Butterfly the Chicken Breasts

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket. Be cautious not to cut all the way through, as you want the chicken to hold the filling.

4. Season the Chicken Breasts

Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over both sides. This not only adds flavor but also gives the chicken a beautiful, golden crust.

5. Stuff the Chicken

Spoon the broccoli cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket, dividing it evenly. Be generous with the filling, as it’s the star of the dish!

6. Secure the Filling

Use toothpicks to close the edges of the chicken breasts, securing the filling inside. This step is optional but recommended to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

7. Sear the Chicken (Optional)

For an extra golden-brown crust, sear the chicken breasts in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds flavor but is optional if you prefer to go straight to baking.

8. Bake the Chicken

Transfer the stuffed chicken breasts to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.

9. Let It Rest

Once done, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken tender and flavorful.

Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Use Large Chicken Breasts

Larger chicken breasts are easier to slice and stuff, giving you a bigger pocket for that cheesy, broccoli filling. If your chicken breasts are smaller, you may want to make a smaller amount of filling or use more breasts.

Don’t Overstuff

While it may be tempting to pack the filling in, be careful not to overstuff the chicken breasts. Too much filling can cause the chicken to split open during cooking.

Experiment with Different Cheeses

Feel free to switch up the cheese! Cheddar gives a sharp taste, but mozzarella provides a gooey texture, and Gruyère or Parmesan will add a richer, nuttier flavor.

Make It Keto-Friendly

This recipe is already low in carbs, but if you’re following a keto diet, you can serve it with cauliflower mash or a green salad to keep the meal keto-compliant.

Serving Suggestions

Wondering what to serve with this delicious dish? Here are a few ideas:

Mashed Potatoes

Classic and comforting, mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the cheesy sauce that oozes out of the chicken.

Steamed Vegetables

A simple side of steamed green beans, asparagus, or even extra broccoli keeps the meal light and nutritious.

Cauliflower Rice

For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is an excellent choice that pairs well with the cheesy filling.

Fresh Salad

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the stuffed chicken and makes for a well-rounded meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid a soggy filling.

2. How Do I Know When the Chicken is Done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. The chicken should be opaque and the juices should run clear.

3. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and stuff the chicken breasts in advance. Store them in the fridge and bake when ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the chicken is cold.

4. What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

5. Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?

While chicken is traditional, you could use turkey breasts or even pork chops for a similar stuffed effect.

Yield: 4

Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

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When it comes to creating a dinner that’s both nutritious and incredibly satisfying, Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast hits all the right notes. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy, cheesy broccoli mixture, then baked to perfection—every bite oozing with flavor. This recipe is great for family dinners, date nights, or even meal prep. It’s low-carb, protein-rich, and delivers on taste!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
   
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket in each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through. Season each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
   
3. Make the Filling:
   In a small bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese until well combined.
   
4. Stuff the Chicken:
   Stuff each chicken breast with an equal amount of the broccoli and cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside.
   
5. Sear the Chicken:
   In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
   
6. Bake:
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted.
   
7. Serve:
   Remove the chicken from the oven, discard any toothpicks, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a little kick.

Vegetable Variations: Try adding finely chopped spinach or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the chicken moist.