Description
Tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of cheddar cheese, broccoli, cream cheese, and garlic, seared to golden perfection and baked until juicy and flavorful. This Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is an easy and delicious way to elevate your dinner with a cheesy vegetable twist.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Stuffing
- 1 cup broccoli florets (finely chopped)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Prepare Chicken: Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. Season both sides of the chicken and inside the pocket with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Make Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine finely chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Stuff Chicken: Divide the broccoli and cheese mixture evenly and stuff each chicken breast pocket carefully.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is hot and bubbly. Verify the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to settle before serving.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the spices stick better.
- Flatten the thicker parts of the chicken breasts slightly with a meat mallet for even cooking.
- Use cream cheese at room temperature for easier blending and a smoother stuffing consistency.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking ensures juicier and more flavorful meat.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
