Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish where juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a delicious combination of broccoli and cheddar cheese. This recipe elevates a simple chicken dinner, making it perfect for weeknights or even special occasions. The melty cheddar and tender broccoli inside the chicken breasts create a tasty surprise in every bite.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh or frozen broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
• Toothpicks (to secure the chicken)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ¼ cup cream cheese for extra creaminess in the stuffing
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard mixed into the stuffing for tang
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat

For Serving:

• Steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a side salad
• Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

1. Butterfly the chicken breasts: Use a sharp knife to slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a pocket but being careful not to cut all the way through.
2. Season both the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli Cheddar Stuffing

1. Steam the broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets for 3-4 minutes until just tender. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain any excess water.
2. In a small bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese (if using). If you like a creamier filling, mix in cream cheese.

Step 4: Stuff the Chicken

1. Divide the broccoli cheddar mixture evenly among the chicken breasts, stuffing each breast pocket generously.
2. Use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken breast, ensuring the stuffing stays inside during cooking.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

1. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This helps to lock in the juices and create a beautiful crust on the chicken.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken

1. Once seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, or if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, place the chicken in the prepared baking dish.
2. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the chicken juicy.
2. Serve the Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken with your favorite side dishes like steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Garnish with lemon wedges if desired.

Cooking Notes

• Cheese: You can substitute cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for different flavors.
• Broccoli: Be sure to chop the broccoli into small pieces to ensure it fits neatly into the chicken pockets and cooks evenly.

Variations

1. Spinach and Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

Replace the broccoli with fresh spinach (sautéed briefly to wilt) for a different but equally delicious filling.

2. Bacon-Wrapped Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

For extra flavor, wrap each stuffed chicken breast with bacon slices before searing and baking. The bacon will crisp up in the oven and add a smoky flavor to the dish.

3. Keto Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

This recipe is naturally low-carb, making it perfect for keto diets. Serve it with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a complete keto-friendly meal.

4. Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

Mix cream cheese into the broccoli cheddar filling for a creamier, more decadent stuffing. You can also drizzle a bit of heavy cream over the chicken before baking for extra moisture.

Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments

For a keto-friendly version:

• This recipe is already low-carb, but you can enhance the richness by adding full-fat cream cheese to the stuffing.
• Pair the chicken with cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, or a green salad for a full keto meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to 1 day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Simply sear and bake as instructed when you’re ready to serve.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken?
Yes! To freeze, prepare the stuffed chicken breasts but do not sear or bake them. Wrap each stuffed breast in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the searing and baking instructions.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from the frozen broccoli before mixing it with the cheese.

Q: What can I serve with Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken?
This chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or a light green salad. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

This Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken is an easy yet impressive dish that combines juicy chicken with a cheesy, broccoli-filled center. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Customize it with your favorite add-ins, and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and texture.