Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and garlic. Seasoned with Italian herbs and seared to golden perfection before baking, this comforting main course delivers a cheesy, flavorful meal that's easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Filling
- 1 cup broccoli florets finely chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's ready for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket for stuffing without cutting all the way through. Season both sides and inside the pockets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and minced garlic. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Stuff Chicken: Divide the broccoli-cheese mixture evenly and stuff each chicken breast pocket thoroughly.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken breasts for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and filling is hot and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere better.
- Lightly flatten thicker parts of the chicken breasts with a meat mallet for even cooking.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother filling.
- Let the chicken rest after baking for juicier, more tender meat.
- The chicken is fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
