Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

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Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a delightful dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its savory flavors and comforting texture. Picture succulent chicken breasts bursting with a luscious filling of tender broccoli, melty Colby-Jack cheese, and vibrant red bell peppers. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, making it a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, homemade meal. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating this delicious stuffed chicken, ensuring that it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, it requires minimal prep time, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. The straightforward ingredients list allows you to whip it up quickly without fuss. Not only is it family-friendly, but it also sneaks in some vegetables that kids often shy away from. Furthermore, this dish combines a classic comfort food with the joy of a healthy twist, making it a winner for the whole family!

Ingredients for Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

To create this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups small-diced broccoli florets, blanched and patted dry
• ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 1⅓ cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese
• 1½ tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to the comforting flavors and textures that make this dish irresistible. The combination of hearty chicken and creamy cheese ensures everyone will enjoy every bite.

Step-by-Step Directions for Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your stuffed chicken.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Carefully cut a pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast. Be cautious not to slice all the way through; you want to create a spacious pocket for the filling while keeping the chicken intact.

3. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Rub this spice blend generously inside and outside each chicken breast for maximum flavor.

4. Make the Filling: In another bowl, combine the blanched broccoli florets, diced red bell pepper, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon of your seasoning blend. Stir well to create a creamy, cheesy filling.

5. Stuff the Chicken: Stuff each chicken breast with a quarter of the filling mixture. Secure the opening with toothpicks to prevent the delicious mixture from spilling out during cooking.

6. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.

7. Bake: After searing, return the chicken to the skillet, cover with foil, and transfer to the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

8. Rest: Once baked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This ensures the juices redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy chicken.

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken even further, consider these tips and tricks:

• Chef’s Secret: For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a couple of hours before stuffing.
• Optional Extras: Mix in some cooked quinoa or rice to the filling for added texture and nutrition.
• Cooking Hack: If you want a crispier exterior, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking for a fun golden finish.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Pair it with a light green salad drizzled with a vinaigrette to balance the hearty flavors. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables seasoned with your favorite herbs. Adding a side of garlic bread can also enhance the dinner experience and provide a delightful way to soak up any cheese that might ooze out!

Nutritional Information

This satisfying recipe serves four and provides a balance of nutrients. While the exact nutritional breakdown can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods, a serving generally contains:

• Calories: Approx. 400
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g

This dish is a delicious indulgence while remaining a healthy choice for those watching their diet, offering plenty of protein to keep you satisfied.

Storing Tips & Variations for Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

If you have leftovers, they can be efficiently stored for future enjoyment:

• Freezing: To freeze, allow the stuffed chicken to cool completely. Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap then place them in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months.
• Reheating: When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Healthier Swaps: For a lighter version, substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, or use a reduced-fat cheese option.
• Creative Variations: Experiment with different vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or incorporate different kinds of cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella for a personal twist.

Conclusion for Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

There’s no time like the present to try out Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken for yourself! With its mouthwatering, comforting flavors and easy preparation, this dish promises to impress at any dinner table. Your family will thank you for adding this scrumptious recipe to your rotation, and it might just become a new favorite.

FAQs

1. Can I make Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and stuffing a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.

2. What can I use instead of chicken breasts?
Chicken thighs or even turkey cutlets can work wonderfully as alternatives for stuffing.

3. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients listed are gluten-free, but always check labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

4. Can I use frozen broccoli for the filling?
If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli will work, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture.

5. How can I tell if the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

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A delightful dish featuring chicken breasts stuffed with a savory filling of broccoli, Colby-Jack cheese, and red bell peppers, perfect for family dinners.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups small-diced broccoli florets, blanched and patted dry
• ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 1⅓ cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese
• 1½ tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Carefully cut a pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast without slicing all the way through.
3. Mix salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a bowl; rub it on the chicken.
4. In another bowl, combine blanched broccoli, red bell pepper, cheese, mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon of seasoning blend to make the filling.
5. Stuff each chicken breast with a quarter of the filling and secure with toothpicks.
6. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
7. Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate chicken in olive oil and lemon juice before stuffing. You can add cooked quinoa or rice to the filling or broil for a crispier finish.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

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