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If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends comforting creaminess with vibrant freshness, the Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloping a rich filling of cheddar, cream cheese, and bright green broccoli, delivering a satisfying harmony of flavors and textures that’s both wholesome and utterly delicious. It’s simple to make yet feels impressively gourmet, guaranteed to become a cherished favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in this recipe. Each element, from the spices to the cheeses and the fresh broccoli, plays a key role in building layers of flavor and creating that irresistible texture combination.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor and brings out the freshness of the chicken and filling.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning blend.
- Onion powder: Infuses a gentle sweetness and complexity in the chicken’s flavor.
- Garlic powder: A must for a warm, aromatic base that complements the cheese and broccoli perfectly.
- Ground paprika: Offers a mild smokiness and lovely color to the chicken skin.
- Olive oil: Used both for seasoning the chicken and for pan-searing, ensuring a golden crust.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender vessel that holds the luscious filling.
- Chopped broccoli florets: Adds a burst of green color and a satisfying crunch inside the filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and a melty texture that binds the filling beautifully.
- Cream cheese at room temperature: Provides a creamy richness that balances the cheddar’s tanginess.
- Minced garlic clove: Intensifies the flavor punch within the filling itself.
How to Make Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for a perfect bake. Mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Drizzle half the olive oil over the chicken breasts and give them a good rub with the seasoning blend. This technique ensures each bite bursts with flavor before the succulent filling even comes into play.
Step 2: Make the Cheesy Broccoli Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The combination of creamy cream cheese and sharp cheddar melts together with the garlic and broccoli, creating a filling that is flavorful yet fresh, rich yet vibrant.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Carefully cut a deep, wide pocket into each chicken breast, making sure you don’t slice all the way through. This pocket will cradle your delightful broccoli-cheese filling perfectly. Gently stuff each chicken breast with the prepared mixture, packing it tightly enough so none spills out but still keeping the meat tender and soft around the edges.
Step 4: Sear and Bake
Heat the remaining olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet, searing each side until it develops a gorgeous golden brown crust—this step locks in moisture and adds fantastic texture. Once seared, transfer the skillet straight to the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is bubbling delectably.
How to Serve Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can elevate this dish to an inviting feast. Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top bring a pop of green freshness that complements the rich filling, while a light dusting of smoked paprika adds visual appeal and smoky aroma. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic bread to soak up any cheesy juices. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted root vegetables provides a perfect balance and adds nutritional goodness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the stuffed chicken breasts diagonally and fan the pieces out on a platter to showcase the colorful broccoli and melty cheese inside—inviting and stunning. Alternatively, serve whole for a rustic, hearty presentation with the filling peekabooing through the crispy chicken exterior. Drizzle a simple pan sauce made from the skillet drippings to add elegance and extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, wrap leftover stuffed chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh. Stored in the refrigerator, they will stay delicious and safe to eat for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before or after cooking. For best results, tightly wrap each stuffed breast individually in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen, the chicken will maintain its quality for up to 3 months, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, which helps maintain the chicken’s juiciness and keeps the filling creamy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can lead to uneven heating and a rubbery texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the broccoli to avoid excess moisture making the filling soggy. Fresh broccoli tends to give the best texture and color.
What cheese works best besides cheddar?
While cheddar adds a nice sharpness, you can substitute or mix in mozzarella for meltiness, or gouda for a smoky flair. Just be sure the cheeses melt well together for the perfect creamy filling.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?
Searing is highly recommended because it creates a golden-brown crust that seals in juices and amps up flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and bake directly with good results.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part and ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can! Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives, and ensure the seasoning blends fit your dietary needs. The flavors will be slightly different but still delicious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is a delightful way to bring something special to your dinner table without any fuss. Its perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors wrapped inside a tender chicken breast is simply unbeatable. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to recipes for impressing family and friends!
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Print
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of broccoli, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. The chicken is first seasoned and seared to achieve a golden crust, then baked to juicy perfection. Perfect for a comforting and nutritious dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Filling:
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets (smaller pieces)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small dish, mix together the kosher salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground paprika. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub the seasoning mixture evenly over them to coat well.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until the filling is evenly incorporated.
- Stuff the chicken breasts: Carefully cut a wide pocket into each chicken breast, ensuring not to slice all the way through. Fill each pocket generously with the prepared broccoli and cheese mixture, pressing gently to secure the filling inside.
- Sear and bake: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for a few minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Then, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pockets are wide enough to hold the filling without tearing the meat.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red chili flakes to the filling.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to keep it juicy.
