Description
Succulent homemade broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken combines cheesy goodness with lean protein. Crisp exterior and melted interior create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 large breasts)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup small chopped broccoli florets
- 0.25 cup cream cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Butterfly chicken breasts horizontally, creating a deep pocket while maintaining structural integrity for optimal stuffing.
- Filling Creation: Combine broccoli florets, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a harmonious, smooth mixture that will infuse the chicken with rich, creamy flavor.
- Seasoning: Massage exterior of chicken with paprika, Italian herbs, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, ensuring comprehensive and even spice distribution.
- Stuffing Process: Delicately fill chicken pockets with broccoli-cheese mixture, gently pressing to achieve uniform coverage without compromising meat integrity.
- Securing: Stabilize chicken openings using toothpicks to prevent filling from escaping during cooking process.
- Searing: Heat olive oil in cast-iron skillet over medium-high temperature until surface shimmers, then strategically place stuffed chicken breasts to develop a golden, crisp exterior.
- Roasting: Transfer skillet directly into preheated 375°F oven, allowing chicken to roast for 15-17 minutes until perfectly cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serving: Remove toothpicks, let chicken rest 3-4 minutes to allow juice redistribution, then plate and serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Butterfly with Care: Slice chicken breasts horizontally, creating a deep pocket without cutting through, ensuring secure stuffing and preventing filling leakage.
- Spice Massage Technique: Thoroughly rub seasonings into chicken’s exterior, allowing spices to penetrate and enhance overall flavor profile.
- Toothpick Pro Tip: Use toothpicks strategically to seal chicken pockets, preventing cheese mixture from escaping during cooking and maintaining a neat presentation.
- Temperature Check Crucial: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing both food safety and perfect doneness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 402
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 112 mg