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To make the cheesy broccoli stuffed chicken, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup steamed broccoli florets, chopped - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, for garnish These ingredients come together to make a tasty dish. The chicken provides protein, while the broccoli adds nutrition. The blend of mozzarella and cream cheese creates a creamy filling that melts in your mouth. Garlic and spices enhance the flavor. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli, but fresh gives the best taste. Always choose high-quality chicken for great results. The olive oil helps to brown the chicken nicely. Don't skip the parsley—it adds a lovely touch to the final dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat is perfect for cooking chicken. In a medium bowl, mix the chopped steamed broccoli, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Add the minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything blends into a creamy filling. Take the chicken breasts and lay them flat on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket into each breast. Be careful not to slice all the way through the chicken. Spoon the cheesy broccoli mixture into each chicken pocket. If needed, use toothpicks to close the openings. This keeps the filling inside while cooking. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. After searing, remove the skillet from the heat. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when done. Once cooked, take the chicken out of the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and a nice touch of color. When picking chicken, look for boneless and skinless cuts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Choose breasts that are similar in size for even cooking. Fresh chicken is best, but you can use frozen if needed. Just thaw it fully before cooking. To make your filling shine, use fresh ingredients. Chop the steamed broccoli finely so it mixes well. A blend of mozzarella and cream cheese creates a creamy texture. Parmesan adds a nice salty taste. Don’t forget the garlic! It gives a great flavor kick. Mix everything in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Avoid overstuffing the chicken. If the pockets are too full, the filling might spill out. Always secure the openings with toothpicks if needed. Remember to sear the chicken before baking. This step helps lock in juices and adds a nice brown color. Lastly, let the chicken rest after cooking. It keeps the meat juicy and tender. Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will provide a better texture and flavor compared to frozen. Ensure it’s steamed just until tender for the best results. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor profile in your stuffing. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Allow to Rest: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes post-baking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can make this dish dairy-free easily. Replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free option, like cashew cream. Use dairy-free cheese for the mozzarella and Parmesan. These swaps will still give you a tasty filling without the dairy. Want to mix it up? Add some cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor. You can also toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick. Fresh spinach can add color and nutrients. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combo. Do you like heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheesy filling. You can also mix in diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. If you prefer mild flavors, skip the spice and enjoy the creamy deliciousness. Adjust it to fit your taste buds! Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let the chicken cool before sealing it. This helps keep the chicken fresh and tasty. You can freeze the stuffed chicken for later. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. It will last up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave, but the oven gives better results. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just steam it first and then chop it. Frozen broccoli works well and saves time. It may have a softer texture than fresh, but the taste will still be great. Check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes dinner prep quick and easy on busy nights. Several side dishes match well with this chicken. Here are a few tasty options: - Garlic mashed potatoes - Steamed green beans - Rice pilaf - Simple garden salad - Roasted carrots These sides add color and flavor to your meal, making it more enjoyable. Enjoy your cooking! In this article, we explored how to make Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken. You learned about the ingredients needed, like chicken, cheese, and broccoli. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you create your dish. We also covered tips for choosing chicken, avoiding mistakes, and even variations for dietary needs. In the end, this meal is tasty and easy to make. Enjoy your cheesy, delicious creation!

Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken

Delicious chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy broccoli and cheese filling.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a medium bowl, combine the chopped steamed broccoli, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating the cheesy filling.
  • Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into each breast, being cautious not to cut all the way through.
  • Evenly distribute the cheesy broccoli mixture into each chicken pocket, using toothpicks to secure the openings if necessary.
  • In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Notes

Use toothpicks to secure the chicken pockets if needed.
Keyword broccoli, cheese, chicken, stuffed chicken