Meet our Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast, a cozy and tasty dish that everyone loves! It’s chicken, it’s cheese, and yes, it’s that good broccoli, all in one bite. Each stuffed chicken breast stays moist on the inside with a nice crisp on the outside.
I adore this recipe because it’s simple and just plain delicious. It’s chicken, but with a fun, cheesy surprise inside! It’s a hit in my home and I bet it will be in yours too.
Table of Content
Ingredients Needed For Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast:
You probably have most of the ingredients for this broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breast recipe in your kitchen already. If not, here’s what you should grab on your next grocery run:
- Chicken Breast, Boneless and Skinless.
- Broccoli, Fresh and Diced: This green veggie adds a nice crunch and fresh taste. I always go for fresh broccoli because it’s a bit sweet and so tasty.
- Bell Pepper, Chopped: This gives a sweet and light sharp taste. It makes our dish colorful and fun. I’m a fan of red bell peppers because they’re extra sweet!
- Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: This cheese melts so well and gives us a creamy, tasty stuffing. I like using a not-too-sharp cheddar for just the right cheesy bite.
- Mayonnaise: This makes our stuffing creamy and rich. I use the regular, full-fat kind for the best flavor.
- Olive Oil: I always pick extra-virgin olive oil because it has a light, fruity taste.
- Paprika: This spice gives a sweet and warm flavor to our chicken.
- Garlic Powder: This adds a gentle garlic flavor without being too strong.
- Onion Powder: This gives us a sweet onion taste without needing to chop onions. It’s quick and tear-free!
- Salt and Black Pepper: These basics help all the other flavors shine. I use sea salt and grind my own black pepper for the freshest taste.
Quick Look at Making Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast:
You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a quick peek at what you’ll do to make this yummy Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast:
- Mix the Stuffing: Firstly, you’ll get the broccoli ready and mix it with cheese, mayo, and bell pepper to make a creamy stuffing.
- Prepare the Chicken: Secondly, you’ll cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff them with the broccoli and cheese mix.
- Season: After that, you’ll sprinkle some tasty spices all over the chicken to give it lots of flavors.
- Cook: Then, you’ll cook the chicken in a hot pan until it’s browned nicely.
- Bake: Lastly, the chicken goes into the oven to finish cooking inside.
And that’s it! You’ll have a delicious, cheesy, and cozy chicken dish ready to enjoy. Let’s dive into the detailed steps next, shall we?
Ingredients List:
For the Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Stuffing:
- 1 cup Fresh Broccoli Florets, diced
- 1/2 cup Bell Pepper, chopped
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
Ingredients for Perfectly Seasoned Stuffed Chicken Breast:
- 3 large Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons Olive Oil
Kitchen Tools for Making Stuffed Chicken:
Making our Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is a breeze with the right tools! Here’s a quick list of kitchen equipment you’ll need:
- Sharp Knife: To safely cut and create a pocket in the chicken breasts.
- Cutting Board
- Medium Bowl
- Small Bowl: To blend your dry seasonings.
- Ovenproof Skillet: To start cooking the chicken on the stove and finish it in the oven.
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
How to Make Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast:
1. Prepare the Broccoli Cheese Stuffing:
- In a medium bowl, place 1 cup of diced fresh broccoli florets.
- Add about 2 tablespoons of water, cover, and microwave for about 3 minutes.
- Drain any excess water and add 1/2 cup of chopped bell pepper, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise.
- Mix well to combine and set aside.
2. Prepare and Stuff the Chicken Breasts:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each chicken breast with a third of the broccoli cheese mixture.
3. Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Sprinkle this mixture evenly over each side of the stuffed chicken breasts.
4. Cook the Chicken:
- In an ovenproof skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts using a spatula.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. Look for a golden color as a cue to flip and then to transfer to the oven.
5. Bake to Perfection:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. A good indicator is when the chicken is no longer pink inside and juices run clear.
6. Rest and Serve Your Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast:
- Once baked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy your deliciously stuffed chicken breasts!
Adapting the Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast for Various Diets:
1. Dairy-Free:
- Cheddar Cheese: Substitute with your favorite dairy-free cheese. Brands like Daiya or Violife offer shredded cheese alternatives that melt well.
- Mayonnaise: Opt for a dairy-free or vegan mayonnaise. Just Mayo and Vegenaise are popular choices.
2. Low-Carb:
- Bell Pepper: While already low in carbs, you can reduce the amount or omit it if you’re aiming for an even lower carb count.
3. Vegetarian/Vegan:
- Chicken Breast: Replace with a plant-based chicken substitute. Brands like Beyond Meat or Gardein offer chicken alternatives that can be stuffed similarly.
- Cheddar Cheese: Use a vegan cheese alternative. Violife and Daiya provide shredded options that have a similar melt to dairy cheese.
- Mayonnaise: Choose a vegan mayonnaise. Vegenaise and Just Mayo are widely available and work well in recipes.
4. Egg-Free:
- Mayonnaise: Opt for an egg-free mayonnaise. Brands like Hellmann’s offer vegan mayo that’s egg-free and has a similar taste and texture to traditional mayo.
Note on Substitutions:
- Keep in mind that when using plant-based chicken and cheese alternatives, cooking times may vary. Always check the package instructions for the best results.
- Texture and flavor might slightly change with substitutions, but you’ll still achieve a delicious, dietary-friendly dish!
FAQs and Common Issues for Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, slice horizontally into the side of the breast. Be sure to keep the knife parallel to the cutting board and slice almost to the other side, but not all the way through. This creates a pocket that can be generously stuffed.
The chicken is cooked when it’s not pink inside and the juices are clear. You can use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) when put in the thickest part of the chicken, away from the stuffing.
Yes, you can! Thaw and drain the frozen broccoli well to avoid extra moisture in the stuffing. You might also want to give it a quick sauté to brighten the flavor.
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast: Common Issues and Solutions:
Stuffing is Falling Out of the Chicken:
When you cut the pocket in the chicken, make it deep enough to hold the stuffing but not so deep that it cuts through the other side. If stuffing still comes out while cooking, you can use toothpicks to keep it closed. Just remember to take them out before you eat!
Stuffing is Too Dry or Too Wet:
Make sure to measure your ingredients right. If the stuffing is too dry, add a little more mayonnaise. If it’s too wet, add a bit more cheese or breadcrumbs. Always check before you put the stuffing in the chicken.
Other Delicious Recipes You May Also Enjoy!!
- Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
- Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
- Honey Soy Chicken Wings
- How to Cook Thin Sliced Chicken Breast
- Pasta Alfredo Con Pollo
Have you liked our Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below, share your tweaks, and let’s spread the baking joy together. Your tips might just be the secret ingredient someone needs!
