Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

Did you know that a single serving of Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast can provide about 40g of protein? This dish not only tastes great but also packs a nutritional punch with its combination of lean chicken and healthy broccoli. If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dinner option, this recipe might be just what you need. Let’s explore how to prepare this delicious meal step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a delicious yet simple dinner option, this Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe stands out.

You’ll appreciate the straightforward preparation, using basic ingredients like chicken, broccoli, cream cheese, and cheddar. With a prep time of just 8-20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Additionally, the recipe serves 4 people, making it ideal for family meals.

The steps are easy to follow: season the chicken, prepare the filling, stuff it, and bake. Plus, you won’t need fancy equipment—just a skillet and an oven.

This recipe also offers flexibility; you can use fresh or frozen broccoli and adjust the garlic to your taste.

Nutritionally, it’s a winner, too, providing lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a great choice for a balanced meal.

History

Stuffed chicken breasts have a rich history influenced by various global cuisines, making them a popular dish today.

Early recipes for stuffed poultry can be traced back to European and Middle Eastern traditions, where cooks filled chickens with herbs and spices.

In the 20th century, American adaptations emerged, incorporating various fillings like cheese and vegetables. Broccoli became a key ingredient around this time, especially after its introduction to the U.S. Broccoli and Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast is a perfect example of how this ingredient has been embraced in modern recipes.

The Chicken Divan, created in New York City, is a notable predecessor, blending chicken and broccoli.

Over the years, recipes have evolved to include different cheeses, herbs, and spices, reflecting a mix of culinary influences.

Today, broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast remains a delicious and comforting favorite.

Recipe

Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a savory filling of broccoli and cheese. This recipe isn’t only easy to prepare but also provides a great way to sneak in some vegetables while enjoying the rich flavors of melted cheese. The cooking method ensures a moist interior with a crispy exterior, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish will surely impress with its beautiful presentation and mouthwatering taste.

The key to making this dish successful lies in the preparation and cooking techniques. By searing the chicken before baking, you achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. You can customize the cheese and seasoning to your preference, making it a versatile meal option for any occasion.

Let’s explore the ingredients and cooking instructions to create this delectable dish.

Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup broccoli (fresh or thawed frozen)
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or cream cheese)
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
– 1 egg (for coating, optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare the broccoli by steaming or microwaving until tender, then drain any excess moisture. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli with the shredded cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the filling is evenly distributed.
Take each chicken breast and carefully cut a wide pocket into the side, being careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli and cheese mixture, distributing the filling evenly among all breasts.
If using breadcrumbs, beat the egg in a small bowl. Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the egg, then coat with breadcrumbs, or simply brush them with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you desire.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step helps create a crispy exterior and locks in moisture.
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Confirm there’s no pinkness in the center before serving.

Extra Tips:

For an elevated flavor profile, consider adding sour cream or mustard powder to the broccoli and cheese filling for creaminess and zest. You can also experiment with different types of cheese such as garlic and herb cheese to enhance the taste.

Remember to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, assuring a moist and flavorful meal. Enjoy your Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast with a side salad or your favorite grains for a complete dinner!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your cooking adventure with broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast, remember that this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body. With a solid protein content of around 40g per serving, it supports muscle health. The broccoli adds essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice. Plus, the convenience of cooking it from frozen saves you time in the kitchen. Whether you serve it with pasta or veggies, it fits well into various meal plans. Just guarantee it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. Additionally, this dish is a good source of calcium and vitamin A, contributing to overall nutritional needs.

FAQ

Cooking can raise many questions, especially when trying a new recipe like this one. To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (218°C).

Prepare your broccoli by cutting it into small, 1-inch pieces. If you prefer frozen broccoli, just thaw and drain it first. For the filling, mix softened cream cheese, chopped broccoli, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. You can prepare the filling up to three days in advance. Cutting broccoli into small florets helps tenderize it quicker when cooked.

When seasoning the chicken, use kosher salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.

Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides in a hot oven-safe skillet, then bake for 25-35 minutes. This recipe is versatile; feel free to substitute other cheeses or add different fillings!