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- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed and chopped - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - Fresh parsley, for garnish The ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken are simple yet flavorful. You start with chicken breasts as the main star. They are tender and perfect for stuffing. Next, you need fresh broccoli florets. Steaming them brightens their green color and softens their crunch. Sharp cheddar cheese is key for a rich taste. The cream cheese adds a smooth, creamy texture. Garlic and onion powders give extra flavor without being too strong. Salt and pepper enhance everything, making each bite delicious. Olive oil helps the breadcrumbs stick and adds some healthy fat. Breadcrumbs give a nice crunch when baked. Lastly, fresh parsley is a bright touch for garnish. Now, let's have a look at the nutritional information. First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature cooks the chicken well and melts the cheese nicely. A hot oven helps the chicken cook evenly, giving you a tender and juicy result. Next, you will prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix these ingredients: - 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed and chopped - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste Make sure to use fresh broccoli. Fresh broccoli gives a better taste and texture to the filling. Steaming it first softens the broccoli and makes it mix well with the cheese. Now, let’s work on the chicken. Take each chicken breast and create a pocket. Use a sharp knife to slice horizontally, but don't cut all the way through. This pocket holds the tasty filling. After you make the pockets, fill them with the broccoli mixture. Press down lightly to pack it in. If the opening is too loose, use toothpicks to secure it. Season the outside with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Finally, coat the chicken. Pour olive oil into a shallow dish. Lightly coat each stuffed chicken breast in olive oil. Then, roll it in breadcrumbs until well covered. This gives a crispy layer when baked. Now, place the chicken in a greased baking dish and bake it for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is safe to eat and perfectly cooked. To keep the chicken juicy, do not overcook it. Bake until it reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Another key tip is to let the meat rest after cooking. This step allows juices to settle, making each bite tender and full of flavor. Adjusting the seasoning in your filling is key to great taste. Start with salt and pepper, then taste and add more if needed. You can also mix cheeses for a richer flavor. Sharp cheddar pairs well with cream cheese, giving it a creamy and tangy kick. Choose a sturdy baking dish for even cooking. A glass or ceramic dish works great for this dish. Use a sharp knife to create pockets in the chicken. A mixing bowl is perfect for combining your filling ingredients. This simple setup makes cooking easy and fun! {{image_2}} You can change the veggies inside your stuffed chicken. Instead of broccoli, try spinach or bell peppers. Both add nice color and flavor. You can also use cooked mushrooms for a rich taste. When it comes to cheese, sharp cheddar is great, but you can mix in mozzarella or gouda. These cheeses melt well and give a creamy texture. Mixing cheeses can create a unique flavor that you will enjoy. Want to boost the flavor? Add herbs like thyme or basil to the filling. These herbs enhance the taste and add freshness. You can also sprinkle in some paprika for a smoky hint. If you like spice, try adding crushed red pepper flakes. This will give your dish a nice kick. You can also toss in a bit of hot sauce to the cheese mix for extra heat. If you want a faster option, use an air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 20 minutes. This method gives a crispy outside and juicy inside. Grilling is another fun way to prepare this dish in summer. Just preheat your grill and cook the stuffed chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side. This will add a nice char and flavor from the grill. To store your leftover broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken, let it cool first. Once cool, wrap each piece in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for later. In the fridge, your stuffed chicken will last about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze the stuffed chicken, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can also use a freezer-safe bag. When properly stored, it will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, the oven is best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist. If you use a microwave, heat on low power, checking every minute to avoid drying it out. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Cook the stuffed chicken for 25 to 30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). This time helps the chicken cook through. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F (74°C). If you want extra crispiness, broil for a few minutes at the end. Just watch closely to avoid burning. Yes, you can prepare the chicken in advance. Stuff the chicken breasts and coat them with breadcrumbs. Then, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, take it out of the fridge and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Stuffed chicken goes well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts - Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes - A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette - Rice pilaf or quinoa for a hearty touch These sides complement the rich flavors of the chicken, making your meal even better. This blog post covered how to make Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken. We discussed the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to make it juicy. You learned about easy variations, storage methods, and answers to common questions. With the right techniques, you can create a tasty meal that's satisfying and healthy. Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors or ingredients that you love. Enjoy preparing this dish, and make it your own!

Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

Savor the flavor with this delicious Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken recipe! Packed with tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and melty sharp cheddar, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner. In just 45 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering meal that's easy to make and sure to impress. Don't miss out on this delightful recipe—click through to discover step-by-step instructions and make your dinner memorable!
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Ingredients
  

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed and chopped

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

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

    Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the steamed and chopped broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

      Prepare the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, making sure to leave one end intact.

        Stuff the Chicken: Generously fill each chicken pocket with the broccoli cheddar filling, pressing it down lightly to pack it in.

          Seal and Season: Secure the opening with toothpicks if necessary and season the outside of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.

            Coat the Chicken: In a shallow dish, spread the breadcrumbs. Lightly coat each stuffed chicken breast in olive oil and then roll in the breadcrumbs until well covered.

              Bake the Chicken: In a greased baking dish, place the coated chicken breasts and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

                Rest and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Remove any toothpicks.

                  Garnish and Plate: Transfer the stuffed chicken to a serving plate, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 2