Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast! This dish is not just a feast for the taste buds, but it’s also packed with nutrition. Imagine tender chicken breasts bursting with a creamy, cheesy broccoli filling that makes every bite a little hug of comfort. Trust me, when you take that first bite, the flavors dance together in such a delightful way! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies without anyone even noticing. I love how simple it is to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights. You’re going to want to whip this up again and again!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breasts. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that creamy, cheesy goodness!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose plump, fresh chicken breasts for the best results. They should be about 6-8 ounces each.
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed: Fresh or frozen broccoli works here. Just steam until tender, then chop them into smaller pieces for easy stuffing.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to mix it up with your favorite cheese if you’d like!
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: This gives the filling that rich, creamy texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for that savory kick! You could also use fresh minced garlic if you prefer.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the stuffing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skip this! It enhances all the flavors in your filling.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken and giving it that beautiful golden crust.
How to Prepare Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Preheat and Prepare Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab a bowl and mix together your steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I like to use a fork to mash everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This filling is where all the magic happens, so don’t rush it!
Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Now, onto the chicken! Carefully take each chicken breast and make a pocket by cutting horizontally into the thickest part, but don’t cut all the way through. You want to create a nice little pouch for that delicious filling. Once you’ve made the pockets, stuff each one generously with the broccoli cheese mixture. Don’t be shy—pack it in there! You want each bite to be bursting with flavor.
Sear the Chicken
Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, gently place your stuffed chicken breasts in the pan. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This step is crucial for that lovely texture and flavor, so keep an eye on them!
Bake the Chicken
After searing, transfer your beautifully browned chicken breasts to a baking dish. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. I like to let them rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps keep them juicy and tender. Trust me, the wait is so worth it!
Tips for Success
To ensure your broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast turns out perfectly every time, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, make sure your chicken breasts are evenly sized; this helps them cook uniformly. If you find the chicken is too thick to cut a pocket, you can gently pound them to an even thickness—just place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and give them a light tap with a mallet. Also, feel free to experiment with the cheese—mixing in some mozzarella or even pepper jack can add a fun twist!
When it comes to seasoning, don’t be shy with the salt and pepper; it really enhances the flavors of the filling. And remember, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking helps keep those juices locked in. Wow, it’s going to be so juicy and delicious!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! While these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, here’s an estimated breakdown for one serving of broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 20 grams of fat, and a hearty 35 grams of protein, making it a filling and nutritious choice. You’ll also get about 5 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of sugar. It’s a delicious way to fuel your body without compromising on flavor! Remember, these are just estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredient choices.
FAQ Section
Can I use other vegetables in the stuffing?
Absolutely! While broccoli is a classic choice, you can get creative with other veggies too. Spinach, kale, or even sautéed mushrooms would work wonderfully in the stuffing. Just make sure to chop them finely and give them a quick cook to remove excess moisture before adding to the cheese mixture. It’s all about what you love!
What can I serve with broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! I love serving it alongside a fresh garden salad for a light touch, or some roasted veggies for extra flavor. You could also whip up some creamy mashed potatoes or a fluffy quinoa pilaf. They all complement the cheesy goodness of the chicken perfectly!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just place the stuffed chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It should be good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or give it a quick zap in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat it, or the chicken can dry out!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously creamy filling with a perfect blend of broccoli and cheese.
- Simple to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
- Packed with protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
- Flexibility to customize with your favorite cheeses or veggies.
- Great for meal prep; leftovers are just as tasty!
- Impressive enough to serve at dinner parties yet easy enough for beginners.
Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast: 5 Comforting Reasons
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
Broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast is a delicious and nutritious dish. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a creamy broccoli and cheese mixture.
Ingrédients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cut a pocket into each chicken breast.
- Stuff each pocket with the broccoli cheese mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear each chicken breast for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- You can use any cheese of your choice.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 5g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 35g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 100mg
Mots-clés: broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast, chicken recipes, healthy dinner ideas
