I am in love with this Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts! The succulent chicken breasts are filled with amazing flavors. Pan-seared chicken stuffed with a delicious broccoli cheese mixture, then baked to golden perfection. This recipe is ridiculously easy to make and the best chicken dinner you’ll ever have!
Ingredients
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ c. shredded cheddar cheese
3 c. broccoli florets
2 ounces cream cheese – at room temp
Garlic powder, cumin, or other spices
¼ c. chicken stock
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or other fresh herbs
How to make Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Step 1: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 400 degrees F.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, place the broccoli. Add about 2 tbsp water. Using a large plate, cover the bowl and place it in the microwave for about 2 minutes. When done, drain the broccoli very well and lay them on paper towels.
Step 3: Into small, pea-sized pieces, chop the broccoli. Return them to the bowl, then add the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chives, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Mix well.
Step 4: On a cutting board, arrange the chicken breasts. Cut a deep pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast using a sharp knife without cutting to the other side.
Step 5: Among the chicken breasts, divide the broccoli mixture, firmly pressing into each pocket. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and your other preferred spices.
Step 6: Heat the olive oil in a heavy ovenproof skillet (preferably a cast iron). Add the chicken breasts to the skillet once the oil is hot and sear for about 3 to 5 minutes until the first side is golden brown. Flip and continue to cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 7: Take the skillet off the heat and pour in the chicken broth. Tent the skillet with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
Step 8: Before serving, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes:
If using frozen broccoli, drain them well after steaming.
For this recipe, you can use other cheeses such as Gruyere or Parmesan. Just make sure to use a good melting cheese.
You can replace broccoli with cauliflower if desired.
Sear the chicken in a skillet and simply transfer them to an oven-safe dish if you do not have an oven-safe skillet.