Description
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is not only a quick and easy recipe but also a delicious way to enjoy healthy eating.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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