Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken is a flavorful and relatively easy dish that elevates the humble chicken breast to a restaurant-worthy meal. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, cheesy broccoli filling, creating a satisfying and comforting dinner. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or something special for a weekend gathering, this stuffed chicken recipe is sure to please.

Why This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it balances ease of preparation with incredible flavor. The chicken breasts are butterflied to create a pocket, ensuring even cooking and allowing ample space for the delicious filling. Pre-cooking the broccoli slightly ensures it’s tender and integrates well with the cheese sauce. Using a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar and cream cheese, adds depth and richness to the filling. Finally, baking the stuffed chicken in the oven locks in moisture, resulting in a juicy and flavorful main course.

Ingredients for Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. This recipe requires a few simple components, but the quality of each ingredient contributes significantly to the final outcome.

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the foundation of this dish. Choose breasts that are similar in size for even cooking. About 6 oz each is a good target.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli florets provide a crisp-tender texture and earthy flavor. Frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch but make sure it is fully thawed and drained well.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a tangy, bold flavor that complements the broccoli. You can also use a mild cheddar for a smoother taste.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese provides a creamy, luxurious base for the filling. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Butter: Butter is used to sauté the onion and create the roux for the cheese sauce, adding richness and depth.
• All-Purpose Flour: Flour is essential for thickening the cheese sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
• Milk: Milk is the liquid base for the cheese sauce, creating a smooth and velvety consistency. Whole milk is recommended for the richest flavor.
• Onion: Diced onion adds a savory base to the cheese sauce, enhancing its overall flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a subtle garlicky aroma and flavor to the filling.
• Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Optional Ingredients: Consider adding cooked bacon bits, a dash of hot pepper sauce, or a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for added flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Now, let’s walk through the process of making this delectable dish, step by step. Follow these instructions carefully to achieve the best results.

Preparing the Chicken Breasts

1. Butterfly the Chicken: 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 cut all the way through. Open the breast like a book.

2. Pound the Chicken: Place the butterflied chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps tenderize the chicken and ensures even cooking.

3. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.

Making the Broccoli and Cheese Filling

1. Cook the Broccoli: Steam or boil the broccoli florets until they are slightly tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and set aside. Alternatively, microwave the broccoli with a little water until tender-crisp.

2. Sauté the Onion: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onion and butter. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

4. Add the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

5. Combine with Broccoli: Gently fold the cooked broccoli florets into the cheese sauce.

Stuffing and Baking the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the broccoli and cheese filling evenly onto one side of each butterflied chicken breast. Fold the other side of the chicken over the filling to enclose it.

3. Secure the Chicken (Optional): Use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken breasts, preventing the filling from spilling out during baking.

4. Bake the Chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Tips and Variations for Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

To customize this recipe and ensure the best possible results, consider these helpful tips and variations:

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Parmesan, to create unique flavor profiles.
• Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables to the filling, such as diced carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers, for added nutrients and flavor.
• Breadcrumb Topping: For a crispy topping, sprinkle the stuffed chicken breasts with breadcrumbs before baking. Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the broccoli and cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Stuff the chicken breasts just before baking for a convenient meal.
• Grilling Option: Grill the stuffed chicken breasts instead of baking them for a smoky flavor. Grill over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
• Sauce Enhancement: Add a dash of hot pepper sauce, mustard powder, or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
• Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives into the cheese filling to add a fresh, herbaceous note.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon bits mixed into the broccoli and cheese filling add a salty, savory element that complements the other flavors.
• Cream of Chicken Soup (shortcut): Replace the butter, flour, and milk ingredients of the cheese sauce with a can of cream of chicken soup for an easier and faster meal.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken with roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Serving and Storing Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Once your broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Here are some tips for serving and storing leftovers.

Serving Suggestions:

• Presenting the Dish: Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts on a serving platter, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for visual appeal.
• Side Dishes: Pair the chicken with complementary side dishes such as roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a quinoa salad.
• Sauces: Consider serving the chicken with a drizzle of hollandaise sauce, a dollop of sour cream, or a light lemon butter sauce for added flavor.

Storing Leftovers:

• Refrigerating: Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave the chicken in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Freezing: To freeze the stuffed chicken, wrap each breast individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs about Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the cheese filling.

How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out while baking?

Make sure to securely close the chicken breasts and you can use toothpicks to hold them together. Be sure to remove them before serving.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Stuff the chicken breasts just before baking.

What temperature should the chicken be cooked to?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

What other cheeses can I use in the filling?

You can use a variety of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Parmesan, to create different flavor profiles.