Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Savor the delightful harmony of tender chicken breasts stuffed with a vibrant mixture of broccoli, creamy cheese, and sweet red bell pepper, perfect for special occasions or cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts Plump and juicy, ready for stuffing.
- ½ teaspoon salt To enhance flavor.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika Adds warmth and smokiness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder Infuses flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder For a hint of sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper Provides a gentle bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For searing the chicken.
For the filling
- 1½ cups small-diced broccoli florets, blanched and patted dry Freshness in the filling.
- ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper Adds crunch and vibrancy.
- 1⅓ cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese Rich and melty.
- 1½ tablespoons mayonnaise Binds flavors and adds creaminess.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Carefully cut a pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast, being cautious not to slice all the way through.
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Rub this spice blend generously inside and outside each chicken breast.
- In another bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, diced red bell pepper, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and one teaspoon of your spice blend. Stir well to create a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Stuff each chicken breast with a quarter of the filling mixture and secure the opening with toothpicks.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
- Transfer the seared chicken to the preheated oven, covering it with foil. 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
Make sure not to overfill the pockets, as the filling expands during cooking. Consider marinating chicken breasts in an herbal brine for added moisture. Use high-quality cheese for the best melting results.