Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast*! This dish is one of my absolute favorites, and it comes together so easily. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the kitchen was filled with the irresistible aroma of melting cheese and savory chicken. My kids couldn’t get enough! The creamy, cheesy filling perfectly complements the juicy chicken, making it a true crowd-pleaser. And the best part? You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to whip this up! It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet fancy enough to impress guests. Seriously, if you’re looking for a flavorful, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare, you’ve found it right here!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Prepare the Best Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because it ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden finish. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Prepare the Filling
Now, grab a mixing bowl and throw in the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. I like to use a fork to mash it all together until it’s well combined and the texture is creamy yet chunky. You want those little bits of broccoli for a delightful crunch in every bite!
Stuff the Chicken
Next, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to slice all the way through. You want to create a nice little pouch to hold all that delicious filling. Now, take your broccoli cheese mixture and generously stuff each pocket. Don’t be shy—pack it in there!
Sear the Chicken
Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step is crucial because it locks in all that juicy flavor and gives your chicken a beautiful crust.
Bake the Chicken
After searing, transfer your chicken to a baking dish and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). I always like to check by cutting into one of the breasts—if the juices run clear, you’re good to go!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast* turns out perfectly, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken nice and juicy. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
When serving, consider pairing it with a fresh side salad or some steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. You can even drizzle a little lemon juice over the top for a bright touch—it really elevates the flavors! And don’t forget, if you have any leftover filling, it makes a fabulous dip with crackers. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk about what you’re getting in each delicious serving of this *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast*! Now, keep in mind these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
This dish is not only packed with flavor but also delivers a good dose of protein, making it a satisfying choice for dinner. Plus, it’s low in carbs, so it fits nicely into a variety of dietary plans. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water from the frozen broccoli before mixing it with the other ingredients. It’ll work just fine!
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese instead of cream cheese. Just keep in mind that it might change the texture a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast* in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts a day in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
What can I serve with this dish?
This stuffed chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, a crisp garden salad, or even some fluffy rice. The options are endless, and you can mix and match according to your taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with flavor from gooey cheese and fresh broccoli.
- Healthy option that’s low in carbs and high in protein.
- Impressive enough to serve at dinner parties or family gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite spices or additional veggies.
Trust me, once you try this *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast*, you’ll be hooked! It’s a comforting, delicious meal that never fails to satisfy.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast*, I love to keep it simple and fresh! A crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully and adds a refreshing crunch. You could also serve it alongside some steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots for a colorful plate. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, a side of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes can round out the meal perfectly. Whatever you choose, your chicken will shine as the star of the dinner table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *best broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast* tasting delicious, proper storage is key! After you’ve enjoyed your meal, let any leftovers cool completely. Then, place the chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—if it even lasts that long!
When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, reheating is super simple. You can pop the chicken back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until it’s heated through and the cheese is all melty again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just be sure to cover it to retain moisture and heat for about 2-3 minutes, checking to make sure it’s heated evenly.
Whichever method you choose, just keep an eye on it so the chicken doesn’t dry out. You’ll want to savor that creamy, cheesy goodness all over again! Enjoy every bite!
Drucken
Best Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast: 5 Irresistible Tips
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Low Fat
Beschreibung
Delicious broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast
Zutaten
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Anweisungen
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cut a pocket in each chicken breast.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli cheese mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Notes
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Kalorien: 320
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 500mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 6g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterin: 100mg
Keywords: broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast
