Indulge in the comforting embrace of a hearty meal with our Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe. This dish marries the tender juiciness of chicken with the creamy, savory goodness of broccoli and cheese, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.
Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is not only delicious but also offers a delightful way to incorporate more greens into your meals. Follow this simple guide to create a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends with its gourmet flair and home-cooked warmth.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
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 (smaller pieces)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (¾ of a brick)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F, setting the stage for a perfectly cooked, succulent chicken.
- Season the Chicken: In a small dish, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts, then rub them with the seasoning mix to ensure they are fully coated.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to create a harmonious filling.
- Stuff the Chicken: Carefully cut a wide pocket into each chicken breast, taking care not to cut through completely. Spoon the broccoli and cheese filling into each pocket, distributing it evenly among the chicken breasts.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on each side until golden, but not cooked through. Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, you may need to do this in batches.
- Bake: Once all the chicken breasts are seared, place them back in the skillet and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Serve this Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast hot, accompanied by your favorite sides, for a meal that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the tender chicken, making dinner time a truly special occasion.