Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
A delightful combination of savory chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich cheese that offers a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces large boneless skinless chicken breasts Lean and juicy base for the stuffing.
- ½ teaspoon salt Flavoring for the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika Adds warmth and color.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder For additional flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder Enhances the flavor profile.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper To taste.
For the Stuffing
- 1½ cups small-diced broccoli florets Blanched and patted dry for texture.
- ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper For color and sweetness.
- 1⅓ cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese Achieves ideal meltiness.
- 1½ tablespoons mayonnaise For creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For searing the chicken.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut a pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast.
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Rub this mixture inside and outside the chicken.
- In another bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, red bell pepper, cheese, mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon of the seasoning blend. Mix well.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the filling and secure it with toothpicks.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the chicken to the oven in the skillet, cover with foil, and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Consider adding different cheeses or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Leftover filling can be baked separately until golden brown.