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.