Description
A succulent chicken breast filled with a creamy mixture of broccoli and cheese, then baked to perfection. This dish combines tender chicken with a savory, cheesy filling, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry. Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix the finely chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill each chicken breast pocket with the broccoli and cheese mixture. Secure the edges with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Brush this seasoning mix over the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Bake: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks or twine before serving. Enjoy your Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For even cooking, consider gently pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cutting the pockets.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a blend for varied flavors.
- Enhance the filling with additional vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1,782mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 139mg