Indulge in the comfort of home-cooked elegance with Gourmet Made Easy: Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a delectable meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests. Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy mixture of broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, then baked to perfection. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making each bite a delightful experience. This recipe is a wonderful way to elevate your dinner routine, combining healthful broccoli with the indulgence of melted cheese, all encased in tender chicken.
Why You’ll Love Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts:
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The rich taste of cheddar and the freshness of broccoli create a perfect filling for the succulent chicken.
- Healthy yet Indulgent: This dish strikes a balance between nutritious vegetables and comforting cheese.
- Impressive Presentation: Looks sophisticated on the plate, making it great for special occasions or casual dining.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Requires just a few basic ingredients to produce a meal that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients Notes For Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts:
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts for easy stuffing and cooking.
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets, steamed until just tender, work equally well.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or medium cheddar provides a nice flavor contrast to the chicken.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika enhance the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
- Binding Agent: A touch of mayonnaise or cream cheese can be mixed with the broccoli and cheddar to create a creamy filling.
Recipe Steps:
- Prep the Filling: Mix the steamed and chopped broccoli with shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise or cream cheese, and seasonings.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the broccoli-cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
- Season and Cook: Season the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave, ensuring the chicken is heated through before serving.
INGREDIENTS
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup finely chopped broccoli
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preparation of chicken: Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut through completely.
- Making the filling: In a bowl, mix the finely chopped broccoli with the shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
- Stuffing the chicken: Evenly fill the pockets of the chicken breasts with the broccoli-cheese mixture, then secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the stuffing in place.
- Seasoning: Lightly season the exterior of the chicken breasts with the remaining salt, paprika, and pepper.
- Cooking: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan and cook for approximately 7 to 10 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serving: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before removing the toothpicks. Serve the stuffed chicken breasts hot, ensuring they are fully cooked internally.
This adjusted recipe offers a hearty and flavorful meal for six people, encapsulating the delicious blend of broccoli and cheddar cheese stuffed within juicy chicken breasts.
