Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of broccoli, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. Pan-seared to a golden brown and finished in the oven, it makes a delicious and satisfying main dish perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Stuffing
- 1 cup broccoli florets (finely chopped)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the chicken breasts after searing.
- Prepare the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. Season both sides and inside the pockets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Stuff the Chicken: Evenly divide the broccoli and cheese mixture and stuff each chicken breast pocket with the filling.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is hot and bubbly. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere better.
- Lightly flatten the thicker parts of the chicken breasts with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to make mixing and stuffing easier and smoother.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking results in juicier meat.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking that its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
