Description
Succulent broccoli stuffed chicken breast delivers a nutritious powerhouse of flavor and satisfaction. Crisp green florets nestled inside juicy chicken create an elegant meal that promises both protein-packed nutrition and delightful taste you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 cup (240 ml) broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry and creating a pocket along the side, being careful not to slice completely through the meat.
- Create a vibrant filling by blending finely chopped broccoli, creamy cheddar, soft cream cheese, sharp Parmesan, and aromatic minced garlic in a mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
- Generously stuff each chicken breast pocket with the rich broccoli and cheese mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed and packed tightly.
- Seal the stuffed chicken breasts using toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
- Craft a flavorful seasoning blend by whisking together olive oil, smoky paprika, aromatic Italian herbs, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Liberally brush the seasoning mixture over the exterior of the stuffed chicken breasts, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Position the chicken in a prepared baking dish that has been lightly greased or lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese becomes molten and golden.
- Allow the chicken to rest briefly after removing from the oven, then carefully extract any securing toothpicks or twine.
- Plate the succulent stuffed chicken breasts alongside complementary sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a crisp garden salad.
Notes
- Slice chicken breasts carefully to create a deep pocket without cutting through, ensuring a perfect filling-to-meat ratio.
- Choose fresh broccoli and grate cheese yourself for maximum flavor and melting potential.
- Avoid overstuffing chicken breasts to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg