Are you tired of boring, bland chicken dinners that leave you feeling unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your meal game with these mouthwatering Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts! Imagine cutting into a perfectly golden chicken breast and watching a river of melted cheese and vibrant broccoli spill out, creating a flavor explosion that will have your family begging for seconds. This restaurant-quality dish is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that combines protein, vegetables, and irresistible cheesy goodness in one incredible package.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
- Steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and chop into small pieces.
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped steamed broccoli, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and carefully create a pocket in each breast by using a sharp knife to cut horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Generously stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli and cheese mixture, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
- Secure the opening of each stuffed chicken breast with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Brush the outside of each chicken breast with olive oil and season with additional salt and pepper.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your cheesy broccoli stuffed chicken breasts.
Tips
- Ensure your chicken breasts are even thickness by gently pounding them before creating the pocket. This helps cook the chicken uniformly.
- Use a sharp knife and steady hand when creating the pocket to avoid cutting completely through the chicken.
- Make sure to drain the steamed broccoli thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in your cheese mixture.
- Use toothpicks to securely close the chicken breast, but remember to remove them before serving.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to your cheese mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 140mg
