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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed and chopped - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch and bright flavor. Good cheese, like sharp cheddar, adds depth. Cream cheese makes everything creamy and rich. If you can't find fresh broccoli, frozen chopped broccoli works well too. You can swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick. If you're out of cream cheese, Greek yogurt can be a healthy alternative. Just remember, ingredient quality matters for the best broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven and prep ingredients: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all your ingredients, including chicken breasts, broccoli, and cheese. 2. Prepare the broccoli and cheese mixture: In a bowl, mix 1 cup of steamed and chopped broccoli with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything until well combined. 3. Stuff and secure the chicken breasts: Take each boneless chicken breast and carefully slice a pocket into the side. Avoid cutting all the way through. Stuff the pocket with your broccoli and cheese mixture. If needed, secure the openings with toothpicks. 1. Sear the chicken for flavor: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This step adds a nice golden color and flavor. 2. Bake the stuffed chicken: Once seared, place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). 3. Ensure proper cooking temperature: After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Remove any toothpicks used and slice each breast in half to show the cheesy broccoli filling. To ensure even cooking and great flavor, follow these steps: - Sear the chicken: Searing adds color and taste. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes. - Use a meat thermometer: Check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). - Let it rest: Resting for 5 minutes helps juices settle for moist chicken. For easier preparation, consider these tools: - Sharp knife: Use it to slice pockets in the chicken breasts. - Mixing bowl: This helps combine the broccoli and cheese mix well. - Toothpicks: Use them to secure chicken openings if needed. To avoid dry chicken, try these tips: - Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on the cooking time. - Use cream cheese: It keeps the filling moist. - Cover with foil: During baking, this helps retain moisture. Garnishing can make your dish pop: - Chopped parsley: Sprinkle on top for a fresh look. - Lemon wedges: Serve on the side for extra zest. For serving, choose the right platters: - White plates: They make the colors of your dish stand out. - Wooden boards: They add a rustic touch that feels warm and inviting. Pair with sides like rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad to complete the meal. Enjoy your flavorful dinner! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only enhances the flavor but also provides better texture in your stuffing. Look for bright green florets without any yellowing. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption while keeping it juicy. Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist on flavor. Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice more tender and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for your taste. Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist. Mixing in some creamy goat cheese adds a tangy flavor too. Feel free to add more veggies! Chopped bell peppers or spinach blend well with the broccoli. For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes. If you have dietary needs, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free bread crumbs in place of regular ones. For a keto option, skip the bread crumbs and serve with a salad instead. You can grill or bake the stuffed chicken. Grilling adds a smoky flavor and crispy skin. Just make sure the grill is hot before placing the chicken on it. Baking is easy and keeps the chicken juicy. Bake at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you want tender chicken with less effort, try a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. This way, the chicken absorbs all the flavors. To store leftover stuffed chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight lids. This keeps the chicken fresh and moist. Leftover stuffed chicken lasts about three to four days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. To freeze the stuffed chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This extra layer protects against freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C). Heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken stays juicy and delicious. Enjoy your tasty meal! What to serve with broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken? I love to serve this dish with a simple side salad or roasted veggies. Mashed potatoes also pair well. You can add a light sauce for extra flavor. Rice or quinoa can make it a complete meal. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and stuffing in advance. Just store the stuffed chicken in the fridge. You can bake it later when you are ready to eat. It will save you time on busy nights. How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked? Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Cut into the chicken to check that the juices run clear, not pink. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. This keeps the stuffing from becoming too watery. Frozen broccoli is a great time-saver. How to adjust cooking times for larger chicken breasts? If your chicken breasts are larger, you may need to bake them longer. Check the temperature as they cook. Add about 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if needed. Always ensure they reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. In this post, we explored how to make delicious broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken. We covered ingredient choices, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to ensure the chicken is juicy and flavorful while also considering different dietary needs. Remember, great meals start with quality ingredients and smart cooking methods. Try this recipe to impress your family or friends. Enjoy your cooking journey, and don't hesitate to experiment!

Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

Delicious chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy broccoli and cheddar filling, baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Take each chicken breast and carefully slice a pocket into the side, making sure not to cut all the way through.
  • Stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli and cheese mixture, ensuring it's evenly filled. Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed.
  • Roll the stuffed chicken in bread crumbs to create a crispy coating.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
  • Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Once baked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Then, remove the toothpicks if used and slice each chicken breast in half to reveal the cheesy broccoli stuffing.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Secure openings with toothpicks if needed for better stuffing retention.
Keyword broccoli, cheddar, chicken, stuffed