If you are craving a dish that brings together comfort, nutrition, and a burst of cheesy goodness, then this Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine tender chicken breasts pocketed with vibrant, nutritious broccoli and ooey-gooey sharp cheddar cheese, all seared to golden perfection and finished in the oven for a juicy, flavorful meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impressing friends at your next dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a dish this delightful, you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients—just a few essentials that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s adding moisture, seasoning, or that irresistible cheesy broccoli filling.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein that becomes beautifully tender and juicy when cooked just right.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish for a balanced taste.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle aromatic note without overpowering the other ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: For a subtle hit of spice that brightens the overall flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: Contributes a smoky warmth and lovely color to the chicken’s exterior.
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped: Brings freshness, crunch, and loads of nutrients to the filling.
- ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the broccoli with a rich and tangy creaminess everyone loves.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Keeps the filling moist and luscious while binding the ingredients together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For perfectly searing the chicken before baking, adding golden color and flavor.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures a consistent temperature for cooking your stuffed chicken evenly. Next, butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally to create a pocket for the filling. If some breasts vary in thickness, gently pound them to about 1 inch thick for even cooking. Season generously with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika to create a flavorful base.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling and Stuff Chicken
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. This combination not only tastes amazing but keeps the filling creamy and cohesive inside the chicken pockets. Carefully stuff this mixture into each chicken breast, and if needed, secure the opening with toothpicks to keep everything intact during cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices and adds a beautiful texture contrast that’s deeply satisfying.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet straight to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat. During this time, the cheese will melt perfectly, mingling with the broccoli inside, resulting in a decadent yet wholesome center.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
After removing the chicken breasts from the oven, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This simple pause allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender and juicy, elevating the final bite to pure comfort food bliss.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a vibrant pop of green and a mild onion-like flavor that complements the cheddar beautifully. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dash of smoked paprika can also add extra aroma and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like creamy mashed potatoes, garlic roasted carrots, or even a light mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or sautéed zucchini noodles to keep your meal balanced and nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken breasts diagonally to reveal the enticing filling inside and arrange slices fanned out on a plate for an elegant look. Alternatively, serve the whole stuffed breast on a bed of herbed couscous or quinoa for a hearty, colorful presentation that’s sure to impress guests or family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, any leftover stuffed chicken breasts should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for quick and delicious leftovers that can be reheated with ease.
Freezing
If you want to meal prep or save some for later, wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen properly, they will maintain good quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stuffed chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to avoid drying, and warm at 325°F (163°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, turning halfway to ensure even warmth without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw and drain the broccoli well before mixing it with the cheese and mayonnaise, so the filling doesn’t get too watery during cooking.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar brings a nice tang and depth of flavor that balances the mild broccoli and chicken beautifully, but feel free to use mild or extra sharp cheddar depending on your taste preference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use a dairy-free mayo to maintain the creamy texture without dairy.
Is there a way to make the chicken extra juicy?
Brining the chicken breasts for 15-30 minutes before preparing will help them retain moisture, but if you’re short on time, making sure not to overcook during baking is key to juicy results.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the filling?
Greek yogurt or cream cheese are excellent substitutes that also provide creaminess and complement the cheddar and broccoli flavors well.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines fantastic flavors and textures in a straightforward, approachable way. Whether you’re cooking for your family or friends, it’s sure to bring smiles around the table and leave everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to dinner favorite!
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Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a delightful mixture of sharp cheddar cheese, fresh broccoli, and creamy mayonnaise. The chicken is first seasoned and seared on the stovetop to form a golden crust, then baked to juicy perfection in the oven. Perfect for a nutritious and flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish combines wholesome ingredients in a satisfying way that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Filling
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the side to create a pocket, being careful not to slice all the way through. If some chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them gently to about 1 inch thickness to ensure even cooking. Season each chicken breast evenly with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika on both sides and inside the pocket.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. Stir well until all ingredients are incorporated. This mixture will add flavor and moisture to the chicken.
- Stuff and Secure: Carefully spoon the broccoli and cheese mixture into each pocket of the chicken breasts. If necessary, secure the openings with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. Once the oil is hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and adds a beautiful crust.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet with the seared, stuffed chicken breasts directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through and the filling is hot.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender bite. Remove toothpicks carefully before serving.
Notes
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular skillet and then transfer the stuffed breasts to a baking dish for the oven step.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely without overcooking.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
- Feel free to add spices like onion powder or Italian seasoning to the filling for extra flavor variety.
- If fresh broccoli is not available, you can use frozen broccoli florets but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
