Imagine sinking your fork into a juicy, cheesy chicken breast that's not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly healthy! This Skinny Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is the ultimate dinner solution for those craving a mouthwatering meal without the extra calories. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and busy home cooks, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a gourmet experience that will have everyone at the dinner table asking for seconds.
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, steamed and chopped
- 1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil.
- Steam broccoli until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Chop the steamed broccoli into small, fine pieces and let cool slightly.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally into the thickest part, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- In a medium bowl, mix chopped broccoli, shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stuff each chicken breast pocket generously with the broccoli and cheese mixture, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
- Secure the chicken breast openings with toothpicks to prevent the filling from falling out during cooking.
- Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken breasts and season the exterior 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 toothpicks before serving. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set and juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken breasts to a uniform thickness before creating the pocket.
- Use a sharp knife and cut slowly when creating the chicken breast pocket to prevent tearing.
- Make sure to steam broccoli until tender-crisp to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Don't overstuff the chicken - a moderate amount of filling prevents leakage during baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cheese and broccoli mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
