Description
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish featuring juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of broccoli, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Lightly seasoned and seared to perfection before baking, this recipe combines vibrant flavors and textures for a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (divided)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Stuffing
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Remaining 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the chicken after searing.
- Create chicken pockets: Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to form a pocket without cutting all the way through, allowing room for the stuffing.
- Season chicken: Season the outside and inside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the garlic powder to enhance flavor.
- Prepare stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, the remaining garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Stuff chicken: Spoon the broccoli and cheese mixture into each chicken pocket, then secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling inside while cooking.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until they achieve a golden brown crust.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15-17 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, carefully discard the toothpicks, and serve hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to cut all the way through the chicken breasts to prevent the stuffing from falling out during cooking.
- Use an ovenproof skillet to go directly from stovetop searing to oven baking for convenience and better flavor.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety and juicy chicken.
- Feel free to swap cheddar for your favorite cheese or add other veggies to the stuffing mixture.
- Allow chicken to rest a few minutes after baking to retain juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
