Cheesy Broccoli Delight Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Extra shredded cheese - Fresh parsley When I create broccoli cheese stuffed chicken, I focus on quality ingredients. The chicken breasts are the canvas for the creamy filling. I love using fresh broccoli florets because they add great flavor and color. The combination of cheddar and cream cheese makes the filling rich and gooey. The seasonings are simple but key. Garlic powder and onion powder boost the taste. Salt and pepper are crucial to enhance all flavors. Seasoned breadcrumbs give a nice crunch to the dish. For a finishing touch, I often add extra cheese on top. Fresh parsley provides a pop of green. It makes the dish look appealing and fresh. Each bite bursts with flavor and texture, making it a family favorite. {{ingredient_image_2}} - First, combine your chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. - Use a fork or spatula to mix everything well. You want a creamy and smooth filling. This ensures each bite is packed with flavor. - Take each chicken breast and carefully slice it from the side. Make a pocket, but don’t cut all the way through. - Now, stuff each pocket with the broccoli and cheese mixture. You can use your fingers or a spoon to fill it well. If needed, use toothpicks to keep the filling inside. - Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil until it shimmers. - Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. - Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - To secure the chicken pockets, use toothpicks. Insert them carefully after stuffing. This keeps the filling from spilling out. - The right temperature ensures juicy chicken. Bake it until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. - For a flavor boost, consider adding herbs. Fresh thyme or basil can enhance the taste. - If you crave extra creaminess, add more cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream. It makes the filling richer and more delightful. - A heavy skillet works best for searing. Cast iron or stainless steel skillets give a nice, even heat. - Choose a baking dish that fits your chicken snugly. This helps the chicken cook evenly in the oven. Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli provides a vibrant flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture. Seal the Filling: If you're worried about the filling leaking out, use kitchen twine to tie the stuffed chicken breasts securely together. Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is delicious, try mixing in different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist. Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute for a more flavorful bite. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese for this dish. Try mozzarella for a gooey texture. Gouda gives a rich flavor. For a dairy-free option, use cashew cheese or almond-based cheese. These alternatives can still provide a creamy filling. You can add other veggies to mix things up. Spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers work well. They add color and nutrients. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can boost the flavor too. Just chop them finely and mix them into your filling. Want some heat? Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the filling. For a cheesy kick, use pepper jack cheese. This will give your dish a fun twist. You can even serve it with a spicy dipping sauce for extra flavor. To keep your broccoli cheese stuffed chicken fresh, follow these steps: - Place leftovers in an airtight container. - Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. - Use within three to four days for best taste. If you want to freeze it: - Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. - Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. - Use within three months for best quality. When reheating, you want to keep the chicken juicy and the coating crispy. Here are a few methods: - Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20 minutes. - Microwave: This method is quick but may make the chicken soggy. Use a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat in 30-second intervals. Check until warm. In the fridge, this dish lasts about three to four days when stored correctly. Look for these signs of spoilage: - Unpleasant smell. - Color changes in the chicken. - Slimy texture on the surface. Storing and reheating correctly helps you enjoy your meal longer! Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this dish. However, it may change the texture and flavor slightly. Frozen broccoli tends to be softer after cooking. To retain some crunch, steam it briefly before mixing it with the cheese. This helps keep some of its original taste. The best way to check if chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. If you do not have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be white, not pink. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Stuff the chicken and cover it. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready to cook, take it out and let it sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature. This helps it cook evenly. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious stuffed chicken breasts with broccoli and cheese. We covered the key ingredients, detailed step-by-step instructions, and shared useful tips. Remember to secure the chicken pockets well and adjust the flavors to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and veggies. When storing leftovers, keep them sealed for the best taste. Enjoy your cooking journey and make this recipe your own!$

Cheesy Broccoli Delight Chicken

A delicious stuffed chicken breast filled with creamy broccoli and cheese, baked to perfection.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
0.25 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken will bake evenly once prepared.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended into a creamy filling.
Take each chicken breast and carefully slice it horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. This will hold the delicious filling.
Generously stuff each chicken breast with the creamy broccoli and cheese mixture. If necessary, secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling intact during cooking.
Season the outer surfaces of the stuffed chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in the seasoned breadcrumbs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated to create a crispy outside layer when cooked.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a golden-brown crust.
Carefully transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Remove any toothpicks carefully, and slice the chicken to expose the gooey filling within.

Notes

Plate the chicken on a bed of fluffy steamed rice or vibrant salad greens. For an added touch of elegance, sprinkle with extra shredded cheese and a fresh garnish of chopped parsley.

Keyword broccoli, cheese, chicken, stuffed chicken