Are you looking for a comforting yet healthy dish to spice up your dinner routine? Look no further than Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken. This delectable recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a savory filling of tender broccoli and gooey cheese, making it the perfect satisfying meal for any night of the week. Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it’s also loaded with protein, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family of four, this dish is a hit for its simplicity and alluring taste. In just 35 minutes, you can bring together wholesome ingredients and serve a delightful meal that is both nutritious and filling. Additionally, the blend of spices enhances the chicken’s natural flavors, while the stuffed filling provides a hearty element that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
- Deliciously cheesy and packed with nutritious broccoli for a perfect flavor combination.
- Quick to prepare and bake, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
- High in protein, satisfying your hunger without compromising on health.
- Great for meal prepping! Stays delicious for leftovers the next day.
- Impressive enough to serve at dinner parties or special occasions.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Getting your kitchen ready for this Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is straightforward and efficient. Start by organizing your ingredients on the counter for easy access. You’ll need a cutting board, a sharp knife for cutting the chicken breasts, and a mixing bowl for combining the stuffing ingredients. An oven-safe skillet is essential, as this is where you’ll sear the chicken before baking it to perfection.
Having measuring cups and spoons handy will help ensure you get the right portions of spices and ingredients. Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) will save time while you work on stuffing the chicken, so don’t forget to do this as your first step. Once everything is laid out and prepared, you’ll be ready to create a delightful chicken dish that is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 to 2¼ pounds)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups small-diced broccoli florets (~½-inch pieces), blanched and patted dry
- ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1⅓ cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese
- 1½ tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take each chicken breast and, using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side. Be cautious not to cut all the way through; you want to create a nice cavity to hold the stuffing.
Step 2: Mix Your Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This spice blend will add a wonderful flavor to your chicken, so mix it well to ensure an even distribution.
Step 3: Create the Stuffing
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, diced red bell pepper, shredded Colby-Jack cheese, mayonnaise, and about one teaspoon of the seasoning mixture you prepared earlier. Gently fold these ingredients together, ensuring that the broccoli is evenly coated with cheese and mayonnaise for a creamy, delicious filling.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Now it’s time to stuff the chicken! Spoon the broccoli-cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, being careful not to overfill. Secure the openings with 2 to 3 toothpicks per breast; this will help keep the stuffing inside as it cooks. Season the outside of the chicken breasts with the remaining spice mixture you created earlier.
Step 5: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add two chicken breasts at a time and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they become golden brown. This step locks in the flavors and gives the chicken a beautiful color.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
After searing, return all the chicken to the skillet. Cover the skillet with foil to retain moisture, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is completely cooked while keeping it juicy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. Remove the toothpicks carefully, and serve warm. You’ll find a delightful blend of flavors in every bite of this mouthwatering dish that your family will love!
Variations
- Protein: Swap the chicken breasts for turkey cutlets for a leaner option or use thinly pounded pork chops for an alternative twist.
- Vegetables: Add spinach or kale to the stuffing mixture for extra nutrition, or try other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Spices: Experiment with different spice blends such as Italian herbs or chili powder for a kick. You could even add a touch of lemon zest for brightness.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure the broccoli is blanched but not overcooked to retain its texture and color.
- The best cheese for stuffing is one that melts well; feel free to substitute with mozzarella or cheddar if preferred.
- While cooking, keeping a meat thermometer handy is a great way to ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection without drying it out.
- If you’re crushed for time, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your stuffed chicken with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Serve with a side of quinoa or rice pilaf to soak up the delicious juices.
Tips
- If you prefer a crispy exterior, you can broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in your favorite dressing before stuffing them.
- Consider using a mix of cheeses for variation—cream cheese can add richness!
- For a more adventurous take, drizzle with a homemade sauce for an extra layer of flavor when serving.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 42g
- Sodium: 560mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the stuffing.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and stuffing beforehand and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
What can I serve with this chicken dish?
This stuffed chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Is the chicken still juicy after baking?
Yes, the searing before baking helps to lock in the juices, and the covered baking method keeps it moist.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is not only a quick and easy recipe but also a delicious way to enjoy healthy eating. With its rich flavor and satisfying ingredients, it’s bound to become a family favorite. So whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish fits the bill perfectly. Don’t forget to try out the variations suggested for further exploration of flavors. We’d love to hear your experiences with this recipe, so please share your comments below and let us know how you enjoyed your Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken!
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Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is not only a quick and easy recipe but also a delicious way to enjoy healthy eating.
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 to 2¼ pounds)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups small-diced broccoli florets (~½-inch pieces), blanched and patted dry
- ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1⅓ cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese
- 1½ tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take each chicken breast and, using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side. Be cautious not to cut all the way through; you want to create a nice cavity to hold the stuffing.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This spice blend will add a wonderful flavor to your chicken, so mix it well to ensure an even distribution.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, diced red bell pepper, shredded Colby-Jack cheese, mayonnaise, and about one teaspoon of the seasoning mixture you prepared earlier. Gently fold these ingredients together, ensuring that the broccoli is evenly coated with cheese and mayonnaise for a creamy, delicious filling.
- Spoon the broccoli-cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, being careful not to overfill. Secure the openings with 2 to 3 toothpicks per breast; this will help keep the stuffing inside as it cooks. Season the outside of the chicken breasts with the remaining spice mixture you created earlier.
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add two chicken breasts at a time and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they become golden brown.
- After searing, return all the chicken to the skillet. Cover the skillet with foil to retain moisture, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once baked, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. Remove the toothpicks carefully, and serve warm.
Notes
Make sure the broccoli is blanched but not overcooked to retain its texture and color. The best cheese for stuffing is one that melts well; feel free to substitute with mozzarella or cheddar if preferred. While cooking, keeping a meat thermometer handy is a great way to ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection without drying it out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Protein: 42 g