Okay, picture this: it’s a weeknight, you’re staring into the fridge wondering what on earth to make that is both delicious and satisfying. Is time sucking exciting? What is your answer to Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken? What would you make if your Chicken Cordon Bleu and creamy broccoli cheese casserole had a baby? How easy is it to make a baby? What makes a humble chicken breast into something truly special? What are some of the best broccoli recipes My family goes crazy for it, and I think yours will too!
What is Broccoli cheese stuffed chicken?
What is the best way to break it down.? Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken is essentially a boneless, skinless chicken breast that’s been stuffed with cheese. How do you make a pocket? Inside that pocket, you’re going to stuff a creamy, cheesy mixture of broccoli and, well, cheese! Think of it as a little treasure chest of flavor hidden inside the perfectly cooked chicken breast. It’s essentially comfort food elevated – familiar flavors presented in a slightly more sophisticated way. The name pretty much says it all, doesn’t it? Simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser I know some picky eaters will gobble this one up.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken has become a staple in my kitchen for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. The juicy chicken, the creamy cheese sauce, and the slightly crunchy broccoli – it’s a perfect trifecta! What I love most about this is how surprisingly easy it is to make. Don’t let the “stuffed” part intimidate you. It’s really just a matter of creating a pocket and spooning in the filling. It’s seriously weeknight-friendly.
Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Chicken breasts are usually pretty budget-friendly, and you probably have most of the other meats as well. What are some of the best ingredients in your pantry? What are some great ways to sneak in veggies for those who might be a little resistant (ahem, maybe not so resistant)? Did I mention versatility? What are some ways to add spice to a cheese blend? When you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a winner. Is it a healthier version of baked chicken? I’m looking forward to eating. What’s not to love? It’s way easier than a full-blown chicken parmesan, and the flavor payoff is just as good, if not better.
How do I make Broccoli cheese stuffed chicken?
Quick Overview
How do I make this delicious dish? How do you prepare the broccoli cheese filling? How do I stuff chicken breasts into a pocket? When the stuffed chicken is cooked through, you’ll bake it until it’s golden brown. The beauty of this method is that the chicken stays incredibly moist and flavorful thanks to the addition of the spices. How do I make a perfect cake?
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). Make sure they’re of similar size for even cooking. * 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil you prefer). * Salt and pepper to taste. I like freshly ground black pepper. It is a good spice. * 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but adds a nice savory touch). * 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for a touch of color and mild flavor).
What is the Broccoli Cheese Filling?
* 1 tablespoon butter. Unsalted is best so you can control the saltiness of the filling. * 1/4 cup finely chopped onion. Yellow or white onion works well. * 2 cloves garlic minced. Freshly minced garlic is always best! * 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. * 1 cup milk. This helps thicken the sauce. I use whole milk for the richest flavor, but 2% works fine too. I’ve used unsweetened almond milk in a pinch and it was surprisingly good! * 4 ounces cream cheese, softened. This is crucial for the creamy texture. What are some good ways to soften cheddar cheese? Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but mild works too. * 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. * 1 cup cooked broccoli florets, chopped. Fresh or frozen broccoli works. Make sure it’s cooked until tender-crisp. Overcooked broccoli will be mushy in the filling. * Salt and pepper to taste.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (I usually use 9×13 inch dish) with cooking spray. How do I clean a chicken?
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the center of each breast, being careful not to over-slice. What is the best way to cut all the way through? You want to create a pocket, like you’re opening the book. If the chicken breasts are very thick, you can butterfly them completely by slicing all the way. How do you open a book? This will give you a larger surface area for the filling.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and paprika. Mix well. Brush the mixture all over the chicken breasts, both inside and out. How do you brown chicken in the oven?
Step 4: Make the Broccoli Cheese Filling
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you burn garlic?
Step 5: Create the Cheese Sauce
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Finish the Filling
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Add the cooked broccoli, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 7: Stuff the Chicken
Spoon the broccoli cheese filling into the pocket of each chicken breast, dividing it evenly. Don’t overstuff the chicken, or the filling might spill out during baking. How do you secure the opening with toothpicks?
Step 8: Bake
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°C. Remove from oven and let cool. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
If you have a baking dish, remove it from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast. If you used toothpicks, remove them from your mouth and serve hot!
What should I serve it with?
What is Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken? What are some of the best sides to What is a good side salad with vinaigrette dressing? What are some good roast vegetables to eat, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts or carrots? If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, consider serving it with mashed potatoes. What is rice pilaf? What are some good ways to serve this with garlic bread for dipping in the cheese sauce?
What’s a good weeknight dinner?What are some good side dishes to serve with steamed green beans? How easy is it to prepare for a test?For a Special Occasion:Dress it up with roasted asparagus and parmesan risotto. What are the best features of the elevated side table?For a Cozy Sunday Supper: What are some suggestions?Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of honey-glazed carrots. What are some of the best comfort food combos?
How do I make Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that guarantee perfect Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken. First, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened. This prevents lumps in the filling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. If you forgot to take it out of the fridge, you can microwave it for a few seconds. If you can’t melt it, be careful! Don’t overcook broccoli. You want it to be soft and not mushy. Next, you want to cook the broccoli in a pan. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water. Before adding it to the filling.
Chicken Breast Prep: What are someHow do I cook chicken breasts evenly? Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet.Filling ConsistencyIf the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, cook it for a minute or two longer, stirring constantly.Cheese Blend:What is your favorite cheese and why? What are some good substitutes for gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack?Baking Time:How long does it take to bake chicken breasts? Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).Spice it up:Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broccoli cheese filling.
I have also tested this using pre-shredded cheese and freshly shredded cheddar. Is it true that the sauce comes out smoother and tastes better?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you have any leftover Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken (which is rare in my house!), you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To store, let the chicken cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. It’s best to store it without any extra sauce to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy. For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed chicken for up to 2-3 months. Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
Room Temperature: Never leave cooked chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the chicken may become a bit tougher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and tender broccoli is simply irresistible. And the best part? It’s so easy to make! If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love, give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. If you love easy chicken recipes like this, be sure to check out my other chicken dishes for more inspiration! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Feel free to leave a comment below with your questions, ratings, and photos of your own creations. Enjoy!
Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pounds Chicken breasts
- 1 head Broccoli cut into florets
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Steam or microwave broccoli until tender-crisp.
- In a bowl, combine cooked broccoli, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Butterfly chicken breasts and stuff with broccoli cheese mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
