Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts combine juicy, tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and fresh herbs. The chicken is first seared in olive oil to develop a golden crust and then finished in the oven to reach perfect doneness. This delicious protein-packed meal offers a blend of fresh veggies and gooey cheese, making it an ideal dish for both casual family dinners and special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Filling:
- 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or other fresh herbs
Seasoning & Cooking:
- Garlic powder, cumin, or other spices (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready to finish cooking the chicken after searing.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Place broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons water. Cover with a plate and microwave for 2 minutes to steam. Drain thoroughly and chop into small, pea-sized pieces.
- Make the Stuffing: In the bowl with chopped broccoli, add shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chopped chives, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix until combined into a cohesive stuffing texture.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and cut a deep pocket lengthwise into each breast, being careful not to cut through the other side. Stuff the broccoli-cheese mixture evenly into each pocket, pressing firmly.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional spices like cumin or paprika evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in two ovenproof skillets over medium heat. Add two chicken breasts to each skillet and sear for 3 minutes on one side. Flip and sear for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on the other side until golden brown.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillets to the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the thickest part of each breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove skillets from the oven and let chicken rest a few minutes to retain juices. Serve warm, paired with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For an extra crispy exterior, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Serve with sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
- Substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for variety.
- Alternative vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers can be used in place of broccoli.
- Experiment with herbs such as parsley, basil, or dill for different flavor profiles.
- Try different seasoning blends like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or cayenne for added spice.
- This stuffing works well with boneless pork chops or turkey breasts as an alternative protein.
Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, High Protein Meal, Oven Baked Chicken, stuffed chicken
