Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
8 mins
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Cook Time
22 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
337 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Description
This recipe starts by preparing chicken breasts with a horizontal pocket sliced through the middle, creating space for the filling. The filling combines small chopped broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, producing a creamy, cheesy mixture that contrasts the chicken's texture and mild flavor.
The chicken breasts are seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning before being filled and secured with toothpicks. Searing in olive oil develops a golden exterior before transferring to the oven to bake at 375°F for 15-17 minutes. This method ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy while melting the cheese and softening the broccoli inside.
The finished dish offers a balance of protein with vegetable and dairy richness, making it a satisfying main course that pairs well with simple sides like steamed vegetables or rice. The creamy cheese filling adds moisture and flavor, turning basic chicken breasts into a more flavorful meal.
According to notes, substitutions like light or fat-free cream cheese and cheddar cheese are possible, as is using frozen broccoli. Leftovers keep refrigerated up to five days or freeze for up to three months, with reheating recommended in a microwave. Avocado oil can replace olive oil if preferred.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast or 4 large breasts, boneless skinless
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder divided
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 Cup broccoli florets small, chopped
- 1 Cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ Cup cream cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 F.
- Place the 1.5 pounds Boneless skinless chicken breasts on a chopping board and, using a sharp knife, slice through the middle to create a pocket for the stuffing.
- Repeat with all the chicken breasts, then season with Salt and pepper, to taste, ½ teaspoon Paprika, and 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning on all sides.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 Cup Small chopped broccoli florets with 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese, 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, and ¼ Cup Cream Cheese. season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spoon the mixture into the chicken breasts, and secure the pocket using toothpicks.
- Heat 1 tablespoon Olive Oil in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, then transfer to the oven and bake for an additional 15-17 minutes.
- A meat thermometer inserted in the middle of the chicken should read 165F. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute light or fat-free cream cheese and cheddar cheese to reduce fat content.
- Frozen broccoli works fine if fresh is not available; chop small for stuffing.
- Leftover stuffed chicken breasts can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheated safely in the microwave.
- Freeze leftovers up to 3 months for longer storage; thaw before reheating.
- Avocado oil can be used instead of olive oil for searing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 337 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 337kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 45g | 90% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 130mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 424mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 764mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 605IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 22.4mg | 25% |
| Calcium | 170mg | 17% |
| Iron | 1.5mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.