If you find yourself having chicken for dinner quite often and feeling the monotony creeping in, I have just the solution for you! Recently, while browsing through recipes, I had a realization that it had been quite a while since I made stuffed chicken breasts. Feeling inspired to elevate our chicken dinners, I decided to get creative and serve a more exciting version of chicken, and to my delight, my family absolutely loved it!
One of the things I love about this stuffed chicken recipe is its versatility when it comes to pairing it with side dishes. It complements so many options, including mushroom risotto, roasted potatoes, sautéed green beans, and roasted asparagus, which happen to be some of my personal favorites. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to serve it with whatever sides you love, creating a perfect harmony of flavors on your plate.
What makes this recipe even better is its ease and simplicity, making it a go-to option even on busy days when time is limited. You can still enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without much effort. Moreover, the flexibility of using vegetables and cheeses you have on hand allows you to be creative and make the most of what you already have in your kitchen.
So, if you’re looking to spice up your chicken dinners and break away from the usual routine, this stuffed chicken breast recipe is the way to go. Embrace the excitement of exploring new flavor combinations, experiment with different fillings, and savor the delightful experience of a creatively prepared chicken dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a special gathering, this recipe is sure to bring joy and satisfaction to your table. Enjoy the deliciousness and versatility of this stuffed chicken, and let it become a treasured addition to your family’s favorite meals.
Ingredients:
2 oz. cream cheese
¼ cup chicken stock
1 ½ c shredded cheddar cheese
3 c broccoli florets
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives
Garlic powder or cumin
4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3-4 Tbsp. olive oil
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl and add 2 tablespoons of water.
Cover the bowl (a large plate works best) and microwave the broccoli for 2 minutes.
After microwaving, drain the broccoli thoroughly and lay it on paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Chop the broccoli into small, pea-sized pieces and return it to the bowl.
To the broccoli, add cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chives, ¼ tsp. salt, and ¼ tsp. pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well-combined.
On a cutting board, arrange the chicken breasts and, using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through to the other side.
Distribute the broccoli mixture evenly among the chicken breasts, pressing it firmly into each pocket.
Season the outer sides of the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and any other preferred spices.
In a heavy ovenproof skillet (cast iron works best), heat olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts.
Sear the chicken for 3-5 minutes on one side until it achieves a nice golden-brown color, then flip each over and sear for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat, add chicken broth, and carefully cover with aluminum foil.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and continue cooking the chicken breasts until the thickest part of each breast reaches 165°F, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Take the chicken breasts out of the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
• If you use frozen broccoli, make sure that it is well drained after steaming. Removing as much excess water is important to keeping the filling together.
• You can use different cheeses – Gruyère works well, and Parmesan is great. Make sure it is a good melting cheese but not so soft that it melts out of the broccoli stuffing. Brie is an example of a cheese that is too soft.
• Cauliflower is a great option instead of, or with, broccoli.
• If you don’t have an oven safe skillet, you can sear the chicken in a skillet first, then transfer to an oven safe dish.
Conclusion:
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a true game-changer for chicken dinners. If you’ve been feeling stuck in a chicken dinner routine, this recipe is here to revitalize your meals with its delicious and innovative twist. I recently rediscovered the joy of stuffed chicken breasts, and my family couldn’t have been happier with the outcome.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to pair it with an array of delightful side dishes. Whether it’s mushroom risotto, roasted potatoes, sautéed green beans, or roasted asparagus, you can customize your meal to suit your preferences and create a memorable dining experience.
One of the best aspects of this dish is its simplicity, making it a perfect choice even when time is limited. The ease of preparation means you can enjoy a mouthwatering and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Additionally, the opportunity to get creative with the vegetables and cheeses you have on hand opens up endless possibilities for personalized flavor combinations.
If you’re craving a change in your chicken dinners, don’t hesitate to try these Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Embrace the excitement of exploring new flavors and textures, and enjoy the comforting and cheesy goodness of this innovative dish. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress and become a cherished addition to your repertoire of go-to meals.
So, break free from the chicken dinner monotony and indulge in the delightful taste and versatility of this stuffed chicken recipe. The blend of savory broccoli and rich cheddar filling encased in tender chicken breasts will elevate your dinner table to new heights of deliciousness. Let the Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts become a family favorite, bringing joy and satisfaction to your meals time and time again. Enjoy every scrumptious bite and create wonderful memories with this delightful culinary creation.