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- 2 large chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) To make broccoli cheese stuffed chicken, you need fresh and quality ingredients. Start with large chicken breasts. These will form the base for your dish. For the filling, choose fresh broccoli florets. Steaming them first makes them tender and flavorful. Next, grab sharp cheddar cheese for a strong flavor. Cream cheese adds creaminess to the filling. Seasoned breadcrumbs give it a nice crunch, while garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika add depth. Don't forget about salt and pepper. They enhance all the flavors in your dish. Finally, a bit of olive oil helps with cooking and adds richness. For garnish, fresh parsley looks great and adds a fresh taste. This combo creates a delightful stuffed chicken. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the steps. 1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures the oven is ready when your chicken is stuffed and ready to bake. 2. Butterfly the chicken: Take your large chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Carefully slice them horizontally, but don’t cut all the way through. This creates a pocket, making it easy to fill with your tasty mixture. 3. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the steamed and finely chopped broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until the filling holds together. 1. Searing the chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil. Once hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until you see a nice golden brown crust. 2. Baking in the oven: After searing, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and juicy inside. 3. Resting and serving: Once done, take the skillet out of the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices stay inside. Remove any toothpicks used to seal the pockets. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious broccoli cheese stuffed chicken! For a full recipe, check the section above! How to achieve the perfect sear To get a nice sear, heat your skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and let it get hot. Place the stuffed chicken in the skillet without crowding it. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in flavor and moisture. Don't rush it; let the chicken form a crust before flipping. Cooking time based on chicken thickness Cooking time can vary. Thicker chicken breasts take longer to cook. A good rule is to bake for 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is juicy and safe to eat. Adding spices for extra flavor Spices can take your dish to the next level. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also use Italian seasoning for a herby touch. Experimenting with flavors makes your broccoli cheese stuffed chicken unique. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper for balance. Serving suggestions to elevate the dish Presentation matters. Serve the chicken on a warm plate for a nice touch. Pair it with a fresh side salad or roasted veggies to add color. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can also enhance the look and taste. It makes the dish feel special, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for broccoli cheese stuffed chicken. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the cheeses in this dish. Instead of sharp cheddar, try mozzarella for a milder taste. Pepper Jack adds a nice kick. You could also use a blend of cheeses for more depth. For vegetables, broccoli is great, but you can use spinach or bell peppers too. Both add color and flavor. Zucchini or even mushrooms can work well. Just ensure they are finely chopped and cooked if needed, for a smooth filling. If you're looking for gluten-free options, skip the breadcrumbs. Use crushed gluten-free crackers instead. Another choice is to leave them out entirely. This keeps the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten issues. For a low-carb variation, replace the cream cheese with ricotta. This swap cuts down on carbs while keeping the dish creamy. Also, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts. They tend to have more flavor and moisture. For the full recipe, check out the details above! After enjoying your broccoli cheese stuffed chicken, store any leftovers properly. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. This step helps avoid condensation in the container. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you don’t have an airtight container, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure to store it in the fridge. Leftover chicken stays good for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. You want to keep the chicken juicy and warm. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil to trap steam. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is hot throughout. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy again! How do I know when the chicken is cooked? You can check if the chicken is cooked by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white, and the juices should run clear. Can I use frozen broccoli for the filling? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water. Chop it finely to mix well with the other filling ingredients. This option saves time and still gives you great flavor. What sides pair well with broccoli cheese stuffed chicken? Some tasty sides include a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. These sides add color and balance to your dinner plate. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe section. We covered how to make delicious broccoli cheese stuffed chicken. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and cooking tips. I shared ideas for variations and how to store leftovers correctly. By following these steps, you can create a tasty dish that impresses everyone. Remember to experiment with flavors and enjoy the cooking process. Happy cooking!

Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Indulge in a delicious Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken Delight that’s sure to impress! This easy recipe combines tender chicken breasts filled with creamy cheese and fresh broccoli for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Perfect for dinner, the dish comes together quickly and is bursting with flavor. Check out the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to create this tasty dish at home. Click through and discover your new favorite dinner!
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Ingredients
  

2 large chicken breasts

1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for the stuffed chicken once prepared.

    Carefully butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally, taking care not to cut all the way through. This will create a pocket that opens like a book.

      In a mixing bowl, combine the steamed and finely chopped broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed and form a cohesive filling.

        Generously spoon the broccoli and cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket, ensuring even distribution. Once filled, securely close the pockets, using toothpicks to seal the edges if needed to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.

          In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they develop a lovely golden brown crust.

            After achieving the perfect sear, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

              Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain its juices, then carefully remove any toothpicks used for sealing the pockets.

                Before serving, garnish the stuffed chicken with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.

                  - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 2

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the stuffed chicken on a warm plate, and consider pairing it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.