Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast*! This dish is a delightful explosion of flavors that’s so comforting and satisfying, it’s become a staple in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the smiles on their faces as they took that first bite were priceless! The creamy, cheesy filling paired with tender chicken is just pure magic. Trust me, if you’re looking for a dinner that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrition, this is it! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone even noticing. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your loved ones with this scrumptious recipe!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up the *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast*. This list is simple, and I promise you’ll find everything at your local grocery store!
- 4 chicken breasts – Choose boneless, skinless for easy stuffing.
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed – Steaming brings out the vibrant green color and keeps it tender.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – I love sharp cheddar for that bold flavor, but feel free to mix it up!
- 1/2 cup cream cheese – This adds creaminess and binds everything together. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A must for that delicious savory kick!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a depth of flavor that’s just heavenly.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t be shy with these; they really enhance the flavors.
- Olive oil for cooking – A drizzle is all you need to get that perfect golden brown on the chicken.
Feel free to swap out the cheddar for your favorite cheese or add some spices to the broccoli mix for a personal twist! Enjoy the process—this dish is all about making it your own!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into making the *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast*! I promise you, it’s simpler than it sounds, and the results are absolutely worth it. Here’s how to bring this delicious dish to life:
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden crust.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine those steamed broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix it well until everything is nicely blended. You want a creamy, cheesy filling that’s bursting with flavor!
- Prep the chicken: Take your chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Carefully cut a pocket into each breast, making sure not to cut all the way through. You want enough space to hold that scrumptious filling.
- Stuff the chicken: Generously stuff each pocket with the broccoli cheese mixture. Don’t skimp here; the more filling, the better! Use toothpicks to secure the openings if needed.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the outside of each chicken breast. This adds a wonderful flavor to the surface.
- Brown the chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step locks in the juices!
- Bake: Transfer the browned chicken to a baking dish and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Rest: Once done, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy and tender.
And there you have it! Your *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast* is ready to wow your taste buds. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed, with a creamy, cheesy filling that’s simply irresistible.
- Healthy option thanks to the fresh broccoli and lean chicken.
- A great way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters without a fuss.
- Impressive enough for guests but simple enough for a family meal.
Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a favorite in your home too!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast* turns out perfectly! Here are my top tips:
- Choose quality chicken: Look for plump, fresh chicken breasts. They’ll be juicier and more flavorful!
- Don’t overstuff: While it’s tempting to pack the filling in, be cautious. Overstuffing can cause the chicken to split while cooking.
- Let the cream cheese soften: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps it blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Monitor cooking time: Everyone’s oven is different, so keep an eye on your chicken. You want it cooked through but not dry—check with a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C is your target!).
- Rest before slicing: Allow the chicken to rest for those 5 minutes after baking. This step is key to keeping the juices inside!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious, satisfying dish that’s sure to impress!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast* sizzling away, let’s talk about what to serve it with! This dish is versatile, and I love pairing it with a fresh side salad for a burst of color and crunch. A simple mix of leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken beautifully.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, roasted potatoes or a creamy mashed potato would be fantastic! The creamy texture of the potatoes balances the cheesy filling perfectly. And for a little extra veggie goodness, consider some steamed green beans or sautéed zucchini—just a touch of olive oil and garlic, and you’re golden! Whatever you choose, these sides will elevate your meal and make it a delightful feast.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Storing your *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast* is super easy. Just let the chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch! If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the stuffed chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, just take them out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain that lovely texture and flavor. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overdo it to keep the chicken juicy. Enjoy every delicious bite again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of the *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast*. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. Enjoy this wholesome meal guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast*? No worries, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use frozen broccoli? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before mixing it with the cheese.
What if I don’t have cream cheese? You can substitute it with ricotta or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option. It’ll still be delicious!
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it? Yes, grilling is a fantastic way to add a smoky flavor! Just make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
What other cheeses work well? Experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. The world is your oyster!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Definitely! It stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for your weekly meal prep!
Call for Engagement
I’d love to hear from you! If you try the *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast*, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Did you add any special twists? I’m always looking for new ideas! And if you enjoyed this recipe, give it a rating—it really helps others find it. Don’t forget to share your delicious creations on social media, too! Tag me so I can see your beautiful dishes. Let’s build a little community of food lovers together!
Print
Best Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast: 7 Flavor Bombs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast filled with creamy cheese and fresh broccoli.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cut a pocket in each chicken breast.
- Stuff each pocket with the broccoli cheese mixture.
- Season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown each chicken breast on both sides for about 4-5 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for better flavor.
- Adjust cheese types to your liking.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast, stuffed chicken, healthy chicken recipes
