Description
This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. The chicken is seasoned, seared to a golden brown, then baked to juicy perfection, offering a delicious and nutritious meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Filling
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets (smaller pieces)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small dish, combine 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon ground paprika. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub them evenly with the seasoning mixture to ensure thorough flavor.
- Make Filling: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups chopped broccoli florets, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, 6 ounces room temperature cream cheese, 1 minced garlic clove, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Stuff Chicken: Carefully cut a wide pocket into each boneless chicken breast without slicing all the way through. Stuff each pocket generously with the prepared broccoli and cheese filling, distributing it evenly among the four breasts.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the stuffed chicken breasts on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. This step helps lock in juices and adds flavor.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet with the seared stuffed chicken breasts into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing for easier blending.
- Ensure not to cut all the way through the chicken breasts to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the chicken is fully cooked.
- If an oven-safe skillet is not available, sear the chicken in a regular skillet and transfer the chicken to a baking dish for the oven step.
- To reduce fat, substitute half the olive oil with a cooking spray and consider using low-fat cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
