Description
This Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features juicy chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of steamed broccoli, red bell pepper, mild cheddar cheese, and mayo. The chicken is seasoned and seared in an oven-safe skillet before being baked to perfection, resulting in a deliciously tender and cheesy main course perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 large chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder (divided)
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Filling
- 1 cup broccoli florets (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper (finely diced)
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp mayo
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Carefully cut a horizontal pocket into the center of each chicken breast using a sharp knife, ensuring not to slice all the way through.
- Make Filling: Place the finely chopped broccoli in a microwave-safe dish with about 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 1 minute. Drain any excess water. Add the diced red bell pepper, mild cheddar cheese, mayo, remaining garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to combine.
- Stuff Chicken: Divide the broccoli cheese mixture evenly among the chicken breasts, stuffing it into the pockets. Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown to lock in the juices.
- Bake Chicken: Cover the skillet with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest covered for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through without drying out.
- Microwaving broccoli helps soften it and prevent excess moisture in the filling.
- To keep filling secure, toothpicks can be removed just before serving.
- Cast iron skillets are preferred for even searing and oven use.
- Can substitute cheddar with other mild melting cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.