Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
This Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of steamed broccoli, bell peppers, and a blend of cheddar, cream, and Parmesan cheeses. Seasoned with Italian spices and garlic, then seared to golden perfection before finishing in the oven, this dish is a flavorful and wholesome dinner that’s both easy to prepare and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Stuffing
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, minced
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (or melting cheese of choice)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Steam Broccoli: Chop broccoli florets into small pieces. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl with about 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until tender. Alternatively, you can steam the broccoli on the stovetop or blanch in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain.
- Prepare Chicken Breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, ensuring not to cut all the way through (stop about 1/2 inch from the edges). Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Make Stuffing Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the steamed and chopped broccoli, minced bell pepper, minced garlic, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Stuff Chicken Breasts: Spoon the broccoli and cheese mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket. If needed, secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside during cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Bake: Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove toothpicks before serving. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice if desired and enjoy your delicious broccoli stuffed chicken breasts.
Notes
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular pan and transfer to a baking dish to finish baking.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- To save prep time, use pre-steamed frozen broccoli florets.
- Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
- Removing toothpicks before serving is important to avoid any choking hazards.
