Description:
This Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast is a simple yet delicious dinner idea that’s packed with flavor. Tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy broccoli mixture make for a healthy, comforting, and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast is for you. It’s so easy to make, but looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The juicy chicken is stuffed with a creamy broccoli filling that’s not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. Plus, you can easily customize the stuffing to suit your taste—add cheese, spices, or even a little garlic. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels a little bit fancy but doesn’t take much effort!
Ingredients
You’ll find a full list of ingredients below, but here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts
- Fresh broccoli
- Cream cheese
- Garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil (for searing)
Directions
1. Prepare the Broccoli
Start by chopping the broccoli into small florets. Then, steam or blanch the broccoli until it’s just tender (about 3-4 minutes). You want it to be soft enough to blend well with the cream cheese but not overcooked. After it’s done, drain the broccoli and let it cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, chop it finely.
2. Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it forms a thick, creamy mixture. This will be the stuffing for your chicken, so make sure it’s well-mixed and seasoned to your liking. If you want it a bit cheesier, feel free to add a bit more Parmesan or even mozzarella.
3. Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Next, take your chicken breasts and carefully make a pocket in the center of each one. Use a sharp knife to cut a slit along the side of the breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. You’re creating a little pouch to hold the filling. Once the pockets are ready, season both sides of the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like (paprika or onion powder work great here!).
4. Stuff the Chicken
Take your broccoli mixture and stuff each chicken breast with it. Use a spoon to carefully fill the pocket and pack the mixture in tightly. If you like, you can secure the chicken with toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside while cooking, though it’s usually fine without them.
5. Sear and Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear the chicken on each side for about 4-5 minutes until it’s golden brown. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook the chicken for another 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F). The stuffing will stay nice and creamy inside, and the chicken will be perfectly juicy.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Pounding the chicken: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider lightly pounding them before stuffing to ensure even cooking.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time, refrigerate it, and cook it later. Just be sure to allow extra time for cooking since it’ll be chilled.
- Cheese variations: If you want a cheesier filling, add shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the mix. It’ll melt beautifully inside the chicken!
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked, so be sure to monitor the cooking time closely. A meat thermometer will help ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Spinach Stuffed Chicken: Swap the broccoli for spinach for a different take on this recipe. You can even do a half-and-half mixture of spinach and broccoli.
- Cheese Lovers: Add different cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, or even feta to the filling for extra flavor.
- Herb Add-ins: Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the stuffing for a herby twist.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Serve this stuffed chicken breast with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a healthy, balanced meal.
- Pair it with mashed potatoes or quinoa for a heartier option.
- It also goes wonderfully with a side of steamed green beans or asparagus—simple, light, and delicious!
- If you’re in the mood for a comforting side, consider serving this with garlic bread or a buttery rice pilaf.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store the stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet on low heat, covering them with a lid to keep the chicken moist.
4 FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw them before stuffing. Otherwise, the chicken may cook unevenly. - Can I bake the chicken instead of searing it?
Absolutely! If you prefer to bake the chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. - What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. It will still give a creamy texture but with fewer calories. - How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for fully cooked chicken.
Conclusion
This Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your regular dinner rotation. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and a great way to get more vegetables into your meal without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for a special occasion, this recipe will never disappoint. So grab your chicken and broccoli, and enjoy a delicious, healthy meal that’s sure to impress!
Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast: The Perfect Weeknight Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast is a simple yet delicious dinner idea that’s packed with flavor. Tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy broccoli mixture make for a healthy, comforting, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Broccoli
Chop the broccoli into small florets. Steam or blanch the broccoli until tender (about 3-4 minutes), then drain and let cool for a few minutes before chopping it finely. -
Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until you have a thick, creamy stuffing mixture. -
Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Cut a pocket in the center of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and any additional spices (such as paprika or onion powder). -
Stuff the Chicken
Spoon the broccoli mixture into each chicken breast pocket and pack it in tightly. Secure with toothpicks if desired. -
Sear and Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken: If your chicken breasts are thick, lightly pound them before stuffing for even cooking.
- Make ahead: Prepare the chicken ahead of time, refrigerate, and cook later. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Cheese variations: Add more Parmesan or even mozzarella for extra cheesiness!
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to avoid drying out the chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg