Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Chicken breasts are often a staple in many households, praised for their versatility and lean protein content. When stuffed with a savory and nutritious filling, such as broccoli, they transform into a gourmet dish that balances protein and vegetables, creating a meal that’s not only delicious but also wholesome.

The Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast is a perfect dish for those looking for something that’s both healthy and flavorful. This dish is easy to prepare and offers a comforting, hearty meal that can be made for both casual family dinners and more formal occasions. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy filling creates a perfect contrast of textures and flavors.

In this recipe, we’ll go through every detail: ingredients, preparation steps, tips for success, variations, and serving suggestions.

Preparation Instructions for Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken will cook evenly and finish perfectly.

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2. Butterfly the chicken breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each chicken breast horizontally along the side, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through; leave a small part of the chicken intact so the filling can stay inside. If needed, you can use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness.

3. Season the chicken: Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil, and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Make sure the chicken is well coated to enhance its flavor during the cooking process.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli Filling

1. Cook the broccoli: In a medium pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 2 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Add the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan, stirring frequently. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. If you prefer the broccoli to be softer, you can cook it for a couple more minutes, but be careful not to overcook it.

3. Add cheese and cream cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese until they melt and combine into a smooth mixture. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Taste the filling and season with salt and pepper as needed.

4. Cool the filling: Remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool slightly. This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly when stuffed into the chicken breasts.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts

1. Stuff the chicken: Spoon the cooled broccoli filling into each chicken breast pocket. Be generous with the filling, but don’t overstuff. You want the filling to stay inside the chicken as it cooks. You can use toothpicks to secure the open edges of the chicken, making sure the filling stays inside.

2. Sear the chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear each side of the chicken for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This will lock in the flavors and create a nice crust on the outside.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. Transfer to the oven: After searing the chicken, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. You can check this using a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safe to eat.

2. Rest the chicken: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce (Optional)

1. Make the sauce: While the chicken is resting, you can prepare a simple sauce. In a small saucepan, combine chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3-4 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Serve with sauce: Drizzle the sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: After resting, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the stuffed chicken breasts for a fresh and colorful finishing touch.

2. Serve: Slice the chicken breasts into medallions or serve them whole with a side of your choice, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a light salad.

Tips for Success

1. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This will make the process easier and quicker. However, you can also use bone-in chicken breasts, though the cooking time will be longer.

2. Ensure the chicken is not overstuffed: If the chicken breast is overstuffed, the filling might spill out while baking. Secure the chicken with toothpicks if needed.

3. Don’t overcook the broccoli: The broccoli should remain firm but tender. If you overcook it, it will lose its texture, and the filling may become too mushy.

4. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (74°C).

5. Make ahead option: You can prepare the chicken breasts and stuff them a day ahead of time. Simply refrigerate the stuffed chicken, then bake it when you’re ready.

Variations on Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast

While the basic broccoli stuffed chicken breast is delicious on its own, here are some variations to suit different tastes:

1. Cheese Variations: Instead of mozzarella and Parmesan, you can experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or Swiss. For a tangy twist, try adding cream cheese or goat cheese to the filling.

2. Add bacon: For a smoky flavor, crumble cooked bacon into the broccoli filling. The crispiness and saltiness of the bacon will complement the creamy cheese and tender chicken.

3. Spicy version: Add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the broccoli filling for a spicy kick. You can also drizzle the chicken with spicy sriracha sauce after baking.

4. Sun-dried tomatoes: Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the broccoli filling to introduce a sweet and tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.

5. Mushroom stuffing: For an earthy flavor, sauté some mushrooms with the onions and garlic before adding them to the broccoli filling.

6. Vegan/Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the chicken breast with tofu steaks or portobello mushrooms and use plant-based cheeses and dairy substitutes in the filling.

Serving Suggestions

1. Mashed Potatoes: A classic side dish, mashed potatoes go wonderfully with this dish, especially if you drizzle the sauce over the potatoes as well.

2. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini pair well with the rich, savory flavors of stuffed chicken.

3. Rice Pilaf: A simple rice pilaf with herbs or a lemony quinoa salad complements the chicken and adds a light, refreshing touch.

4. Side Salad: A light side salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the stuffed chicken, offering a contrast of textures and flavors.

5. Crispy Potatoes: Roasted or crispy potatoes bring a crunchy texture that pairs well with the tender stuffed chicken.

Conclusion

Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast is a satisfying and wholesome dish that combines lean protein with nutrient-rich broccoli and a cheesy filling, all beautifully seasoned and cooked to perfection. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal or a special occasion, this dish is bound to impress. With variations to suit different preferences, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized and enjoyed in many ways.

Take your chicken dinner to the next level with this simple yet delicious recipe that is as nutritious as it is tasty. From preparation to plating, you’ll create a meal that everyone will love! Enjoy the delightful flavors of this stuffed chicken breast and share it with your loved ones for a memorable meal.

Yield: 4

Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

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Chicken breasts are often a staple in many households, praised for their versatility and lean protein content. When stuffed with a savory and nutritious filling, such as broccoli, they transform into a gourmet dish that balances protein and vegetables, creating a meal that’s not only delicious but also wholesome.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets (steamed and chopped)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until tender (about 5-6 minutes). Then chop them finely and mix in a bowl with cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will be your stuffing mixture.
3. Prepare the chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket in each chicken breast. Be sure not to cut all the way through—just create a space for the filling.
4. Stuff the chicken: Spoon the broccoli mixture into each chicken breast, making sure to pack it in well.
5. Secure the chicken: Use toothpicks to close the opening of the chicken, or you can tie the chicken closed with kitchen twine if needed.
6. Sear the chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear each chicken breast for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
7. Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Optional garnish: Once cooked, remove the toothpicks or twine, and sprinkle the chicken with a little paprika for color and fresh parsley for freshness.
9. Serve: Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, cheesy, broccoli-stuffed chicken breasts!

Notes

• Variation: You can use spinach or a combination of spinach and broccoli if you prefer a different veggie for the stuffing.
• Cheese options: Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella, parmesan, or any cheese of your choice.
• Make it crispy: For a crispy outer layer, you can dip the stuffed chicken in breadcrumbs before searing and baking.
• If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing.