Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and garlic. Searing the chicken before baking locks in the flavor and ensures a golden crust, while baking finishes cooking the chicken and melts the cheesy filling. Perfect for a comforting and nutritious dinner, this dish combines protein with veggies in a delicious, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Stuffing
- 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to ensure it is ready for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Prepare Chicken Breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket for the stuffing, making sure not to cut all the way through. Season both sides and inside the pockets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Make Stuffing Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
- Stuff Chicken: Evenly divide the broccoli and cheese mixture among the chicken breasts, stuffing each pocket carefully.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken breasts to the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is hot and bubbly, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices before serving.
Notes
- Pat the chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help the spices stick better.
- For even cooking, lightly flatten the thicker parts of the chicken breasts with a meat mallet before slicing.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother stuffing consistency.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking ensures juicier, more tender meat.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
