Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast: A Delicious and Easy Dinner Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying dinner that’s also relatively easy to make? Look no further than broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast! This recipe combines the savory goodness of chicken with the creamy, comforting flavors of broccoli and cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your diet.
This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a perfectly cooked and flavorful dish every time.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Recipe
* **Delicious Flavor Combination:** The pairing of chicken, broccoli, and cheese is a classic for a reason. It’s comforting, savory, and utterly satisfying.
* **Easy to Make:** While it looks impressive, this recipe is surprisingly simple to put together. With a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking. Use different types of cheese, add spices, or swap out the broccoli for another vegetable.
* **Healthy-ish:** It’s packed with protein and vegetables, making it a more nutritious option compared to many other comfort food dishes. You can also use reduced-fat cheese to lighten it up even further.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can assemble the chicken breasts ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to eat. Or, bake them all at once and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6-8 ounces each. Choose chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness for even cooking.
* **Broccoli Florets:** 1 cup, cooked (steamed, microwaved, or roasted). Fresh or frozen broccoli florets work well. Make sure the broccoli is cooked until tender-crisp.
* **Shredded Cheese:** 1 cup, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, or a blend. Cheddar cheese provides a classic flavor, while mozzarella offers a mild and melty option. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
* **Cream Cheese:** 2 ounces, softened. Softened cream cheese helps bind the filling together and adds a creamy texture.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the filling.
* **Onion Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon. Onion powder enhances the savory flavor of the filling.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the chicken and the filling generously with salt and pepper.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon. Olive oil is used to sear the chicken breasts and add flavor.
* **Paprika (optional):** 1/2 teaspoon. Smoked or sweet paprika adds color and a slightly smoky flavor to the chicken.
* **Breadcrumbs (optional):** 1/4 cup. Panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs can be used to coat the chicken breasts for a crispy crust.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Baking Dish:** A 9×13 inch baking dish or similar size.
* **Skillet:** A large skillet or frying pan.
* **Mixing Bowl:** A medium-sized mixing bowl for preparing the filling.
* **Knife:** A sharp knife for butterflying the chicken breasts.
* **Cutting Board:** A cutting board for prepping the ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide on how to make broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast:
**1. Prepare the Broccoli:**
* If using fresh broccoli, wash and cut it into small florets.
* Steam, microwave, or roast the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
* Let the broccoli cool slightly before adding it to the filling.
**2. Make the Filling:**
* In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli florets, shredded cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
* Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
* Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your preference.
**3. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:**
* Place each chicken breast on a cutting board.
* Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the center of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a pocket or a butterfly cut.
* Open the chicken breast like a book.
* Cover the chicken breasts with plastic wrap and pound them lightly with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help them cook evenly.
* Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
**4. Stuff the Chicken Breasts:**
* Spoon an equal amount of the broccoli cheese filling into the center of each chicken breast.
* Fold the chicken breast over the filling to enclose it.
* Use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken breast, if needed. This will help prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
**5. Sear the Chicken Breasts (Optional but Recommended):**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the hot skillet.
* Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are lightly browned. This will help seal in the juices and add flavor.
* Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and place them in the prepared baking dish.
**6. Bake the Chicken Breasts:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Place the baking dish with the stuffed chicken breasts in the preheated oven.
* Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* Check the chicken breasts periodically during baking. If they start to brown too quickly, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
**7. Add Breadcrumbs (Optional):**
* If you want to add a crispy crust, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the chicken breasts during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
* Press the breadcrumbs lightly into the chicken to help them adhere.
**8. Rest and Serve:**
* Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven.
* Let the chicken breasts rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
* Remove the toothpicks before serving.
* Serve the broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breasts hot with your favorite sides.
Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overcook the Broccoli:** Overcooked broccoli will become mushy and lose its flavor. Cook it until it’s just tender-crisp.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Softened cream cheese will blend more easily with the other ingredients in the filling.
* **Pound the Chicken Breasts Evenly:** Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness will ensure that they cook evenly.
* **Don’t Overfill the Chicken Breasts:** Overfilling the chicken breasts can cause the filling to leak out during baking.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Let the Chicken Rest:** Letting the chicken rest before serving will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Variations and Substitutions
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses.
* **Vegetables:** Substitute the broccoli with other vegetables, such as cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
* **Spices:** Add different spices to the filling, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.
* **Sauce:** Serve the chicken breasts with a sauce, such as Alfredo sauce, marinara sauce, or a cream sauce.
* **Breadcrumbs:** Use different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
* **Low-Carb Option:** Skip the breadcrumbs or use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb coating.
* **Add Bacon:** Crumble cooked bacon into the filling for added flavor.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes, are a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to chicken.
* **Rice or Quinoa:** Serve the chicken with rice or quinoa for a hearty and satisfying meal.
* **Salad:** A fresh green salad is a light and refreshing side dish.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the flavorful sauce.
* **Steamed Green Beans:** Simple steamed green beans offer a healthy and vibrant side.
Make-Ahead Instructions
* **Assemble Ahead:** You can assemble the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. When ready to bake, simply remove them from the refrigerator and bake as directed.
* **Cooked Filling:** You can prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken breasts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly less crispy.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
Enjoy this simple, scrumptious recipe for years to come! It’s a fantastic way to enhance your cooking skills and provide your loved ones with nutritious meals. Remember to share the goodness!