Description
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy broccoli and cheese filling, then baked until perfectly tender. This low-carb dinner is comforting, nutritious, and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stuffing:
- 1½ cups broccoli florets, finely chopped (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella cheese as an alternative)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and garlic powder. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a creamy stuffing.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast, slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through to create space for the filling.
- Stuff Chicken: Spoon the broccoli and cheese mixture into each chicken pocket, filling them generously. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary to keep the filling intact during baking.
- Season Chicken: Brush the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil. Then season evenly with paprika, salt, and pepper to add flavor and promote browning.
- Bake: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
Notes
- Fresh or frozen broccoli may be used depending on availability.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted for cheddar cheese if a milder flavor is preferred.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American