Description
Juicy chicken breasts embrace creamy cheddar and roasted broccoli in this irresistible dinner sensation. Savory cheese melts perfectly inside tender chicken, creating a comforting meal packed with flavor and protein that delivers pure culinary satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (large)
Filling Ingredients:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 ¼ cups (5 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 ounces (56 grams) cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Cumin (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place fresh broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with of water, cover, and steam for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Drain the broccoli thoroughly and finely chop into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution in the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, finely minced chives, salt, and black pepper.
- Carefully create a horizontal pocket in each chicken breast using a sharp knife, being cautious not to cut completely through the meat.
- Generously stuff each chicken breast pocket with the prepared broccoli and cheese mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Season the exterior of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, additional salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Stuffing demands precision, so chop broccoli into small, uniform pieces for even distribution inside chicken pockets.
- Cream cheese acts as a binding agent, helping the broccoli and cheddar mixture stay compact and creamy during cooking.
- Searing chicken before baking locks in moisture and creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior that enhances overall flavor complexity.
- Letting chicken rest after baking allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains tender and succulent.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the classic broccoli and cheddar flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Sautéing, Stuffed Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 145mg