Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and garlic. Perfectly seared and baked, this dish is a comforting and flavorful main course that is easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Stuffing
- 1 cup broccoli florets (finely chopped)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken.
- Prepare chicken pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. Season both sides and inside of the pockets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine finely chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and minced garlic. Stir well until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Stuff chicken breasts: Evenly divide the broccoli and cheese mixture and stuff each chicken breast pocket with it, ensuring the filling is securely inside.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear on both sides for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Bake in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken breasts for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the spices stick better.
- Flatten the thicker parts of the chicken breasts lightly with a meat mallet for even cooking.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to make mixing easier and stuffing smoother.
- Allow the chicken to rest after baking to keep it juicy.
- Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
