Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy broccoli filling. This recipe is easy to prepare yet impressive enough for a dinner party. The chicken breasts are seasoned and seared to perfection, then stuffed with a savory mixture of steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and garlic. After a quick bake in the oven, the result is a juicy, melty, and delicious meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 250 grams chopped broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup low-fat cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prep Broccoli: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes to steam the broccoli. Set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Using a sharp knife, horizontally slice each chicken breast to create a pocket, stopping about 1/2 inch from the edges.
- Season Chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, mix the steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, low-fat cream cheese, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stuff Chicken: Evenly distribute the broccoli and cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket, securing the openings with toothpicks.
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sear Chicken: In a large cast-iron or oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Bake Chicken: Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Remove toothpicks before serving. Serve this delicious stuffed chicken with a fresh side salad, garlic green beans, or mushroom rice. For a heartier meal, pair with mashed or roasted potatoes. For a healthier option, serve with grains such as couscous or quinoa. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Even Cooking: Ensure the chicken breasts are of similar thickness for even cooking.
- Stuffing Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add other vegetables to the stuffing.
- Sealing: Use toothpicks to secure the stuffed chicken breasts to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Resting: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to keep it juicy and tender.
Leave a Reply