Though they may seem complicated to make, these Stuffed Chicken Breasts with chopped broccoli and cheddar cheese are actually fairly simple. A fun and flavorful way to recreate a restaurant lunch at home.
Surprise! These Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts are simple to prepare at home. They have a crisp exterior and a creamy broccoli filling that is out of this world.
Grilling season is over and now is the time to switch to baking in the oven. No, we still fire up the grill in the dead of winter, but it’s not as frequent as it seems to be in the summer. In spite of the fact that grilled chicken is a summertime staple in my diet, I enjoy eating chicken prepared in a variety of other ways, especially when it’s filled.
Incredibly, from start to finish (that is, chopping, stuffing, searing, and baking the chicken), this cheesy broccoli stuffed chicken breast recipe takes only approximately 45 minutes.
In addition to being wonderful for a large group of people, it is also quite flexible (more on that below). Serve with a wild rice mixture or roasted vegetables that can be cooked in the same oven as the chicken for a simple and healthy weeknight supper.
I was beginning to feel the effects of the boredom that comes from eating chicken many times a week for dinner. Reading over some recipes, I realized that it had been a while since I had prepared stuffed chicken breasts. My family and I had a great time when I was inspired to get inventive in the way I prepared chicken.
This chicken goes great with a variety of sides, but some of my favorites include mushroom risotto, roasted potatoes, roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, and roasted asparagus. Because of its adaptability, it can be served with a wide variety of accompaniments.
If you’re short on time but still want a tasty meal, this chicken is the way to go. You can also utilize what you have on hand in terms of vegetables and cheeses.
Ingredients:
4 big chicken breasts without the bones or skin
3 cups of broccoli flowers
a cup and a half of shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
Fresh chives or other herbs, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
Spices such as garlic powder, cumin, and others
Add 3–4 tablespoons of olive oil.
chicken stock, 1/4 cup
Instructions:
Turn the oven temperature up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Start by putting the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl and adding 2 tablespoons of water.
Put the broccoli in the microwave for 2 minutes, covered (a large plate works best).
Take the broccoli out of the microwave, rinse it thoroughly, and put it flat on a paper towel to absorb any remaining moisture.
Return the chopped broccoli to the bowl and mix it in. Each piece should be about the size of a pea.
Stir in the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chives, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to the broccoli. Don’t stop stirring until everything is evenly mixed.
Cut a deep pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through using a sharp knife and arranging the breasts on a chopping board.
Evenly distribute the broccoli mixture among the chicken breasts and firmly stuff each pocket with the mixture.
Put some salt, pepper, garlic powder, and whatever else you like on the outside of the chicken breasts.
Warm olive oil in a heavy ovenproof skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium heat. After the oil has heated up, add the chicken breasts.
The chicken needs to be seared for 3–5 minutes on one side to achieve a good golden color, and then flipped and seared for another 2–3 minutes on the other side.
Turn off the heat, add the chicken broth, and cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil.
After browning on the stovetop, finish cooking the chicken breasts in the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of a breast registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
After 5-10 minutes in the oven, take the chicken breasts out and let them rest.
Tips
Chicken breasts can easily turn dry and tough if cooked for too long. A meat thermometer can help you determine if they’re done cooking while retaining their tenderness and juices.
The filling can be altered to suit individual tastes by switching up the cheese used or by adding other ingredients like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
Finally, chicken breasts packed with cheese and broccoli make a wonderful dish for any celebration. They’ll quickly rise to the top of the family favorites list thanks to the juicy chicken, delicious broccoli, and gooey cheese. If you’re looking for a new recipe to try, look no further.
Can you tell me how long the chicken needs to cook so that it is completely safe to eat?
The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) to ensure it is thoroughly done and safe to eat. Chicken temperature can be determined with the help of a meat thermometer.
Will frozen broccoli work?
The answer is yes when it comes to using frozen broccoli. Before combining it with the cheese, though, you should defrost it and squeeze out any excess moisture.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
The chicken breasts can be prepared through the baking process and then refrigerated until you’re ready to bake them. Take care to take out the toothpicks before putting them in the oven.
I’m trying to decide what to serve alongside this, any suggestions?
You may serve this with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a simple side salad.
If I want to, I could use a different kind of cheese, right?
Any kind of cheese will work well in this dish. Mozzarella, provolone, and pepper jack are all excellent choices.
In what ways can I prevent the cheese from melting during cooking?
Toothpicks are a great way to keep the chicken breasts closed and the cheese inside while cooking.
Should I use chicken breasts without removing the bones?
Chicken breasts without the bones can be used in this dish. Bone-in chicken could need a longer cooking time than boneless, so keep that in mind.
How long can I keep this in the fridge?
Refrigerating leftovers in an airtight container extends their shelf life to three or four days. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.