When I crave comfort without the carb overload, this stuffed chicken recipe is my go-to magic trick. Picture this: tender chicken bursting with gooey cheese and vibrant broccoli—it’s like a cozy sweater for your taste buds. I stumbled upon it during a late-night Pinterest scroll, and now it’s a staple, especially when the fridge is whispering “creativity, please!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the garlic powder. Carefully slice into each chicken breast, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through.
- For the filling, place chopped broccoli in a microwave-safe dish with a couple of tablespoons of water, cover, and microwave for about 1 minute. Drain any excess water, then combine the broccoli with diced bell pepper, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, the remaining garlic powder, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Divide the filling mixture evenly among the chicken breast pockets, securing the openings with toothpicks if needed. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Cover the skillet with foil and transfer it to the preheated oven, baking for 15 to 17 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once baked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes while still covered to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast.
Ingredients
- 3 large chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1640 kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 176g | Fat: 96g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 420mg | Sodium: 1209mg | Potassium: 2340mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3390IU | Vitamin C: 138mg | Calcium: 669mg | Iron: 3mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
- Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with other types of cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack to suit your taste preferences.
- What can I use as an alternative to mayonnaise in the filling?
- You can replace mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option that still provides a creamy texture.
- Is it necessary to use a cast iron skillet for this recipe?
- While a cast iron skillet is recommended due to its ability to transition from stovetop to oven, you can use any oven-safe skillet or sear the chicken in a regular pan and transfer it to a baking dish.
- Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the broccoli cheese filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before stuffing the chicken breasts.
- What sides go well with Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast?
- This dish pairs well with a side salad, Garlic Parmesan Rice, Vegetable Rice Pilaf, Classic Baked Potatoes, or Parmesan Roasted Green Beans for a balanced meal.
Tips
- Ensure your broccoli florets are chopped finely to fit comfortably inside the chicken breast pockets.
- Opt for larger chicken breasts to make stuffing easier and to hold more of the filling.
- Cut a pocket in the chicken breast without slicing all the way through to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular skillet first and then move it to an oven-safe dish for baking.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet – A heavy, oven-safe cast iron skillet is recommended for searing and baking the chicken breasts.
