Hey there! If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and cheesy dinner idea, you’re in the right place. My Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken is an absolute game-changer. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor plus, it’s super easy to make. Trust me, this is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to.
Method
Prepare the Stuffing
Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, mayonnaise, light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and crushed garlic. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined. The mixture should be creamy with small bits of broccoli evenly distributed throughout. Set this stuffing mixture aside while you move on to the chicken preparation.
Prepare the Chicken
Take the chicken breasts and carefully slice through the thickest part of each breast. Make sure not to cut all the way through, as you want to create a pocket to hold the stuffing. Once all the chicken breasts are prepared, take the same mixing bowl you used earlier and add the Italian seasonings, paprika, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix the marinade well and coat each chicken breast thoroughly. This step ensures that the chicken is flavorful and juicy. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour if time allows; this will help the flavors really soak into the meat.
Stuff the Chicken
Now it’s time to stuff the chicken. Open each chicken breast and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the broccoli cheese mixture inside. Try to distribute the stuffing evenly without overloading the pocket. Once stuffed, use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken, preventing the filling from oozing out during cooking. Repeat this process for all the chicken breasts.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet. Let the chicken cook for about 10 minutes on each side, flipping gently to avoid breaking the stuffed pockets. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should read at least 165°F to ensure safe consumption. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a serving plate.
Make the Cream Sauce
After removing the chicken, keep the skillet on medium heat and pour in the heavy cream. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits left from the chicken, incorporating them into the sauce. Stir the cream continuously as it begins to thicken, creating a rich and velvety texture. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, pour it generously over the cooked chicken before serving.
Necessary Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Meat thermometer
- Toothpicks
Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes20
minutes35
minutesIngredients
5-6 chicken breasts, sliced midway through the breast
1 broccoli crown, chopped finely
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup light cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1-2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tbsp Italian seasonings
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
4 tbsp olive oil, divided
3/4 cup heavy cream
Directions
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, mayonnaise, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and crushed garlic. Mix well until combined and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast through the thickest part, making sure not to cut all the way through. In the same bowl, add the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to enhance flavor.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill each chicken breast with about 2 tablespoons of the broccoli cheese mixture. Secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside while cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and cook for about 10 minutes on each side. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Make the Cream Sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same pan, add the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens. Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked chicken before serving.
Notes
- Make sure not to overstuff the chicken, or the filling might leak out during cooking.
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Use toothpicks to secure the chicken properly to avoid losing the stuffing.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken goes perfectly with rice, pasta, or roasted veggies. I personally love serving it with some buttery garlic mashed potatoes on the side!
Fun Fact
Did you know that broccoli and cheese are a classic combination because of the contrasting textures? The creaminess of the cheese complements the slight crunch of the broccoli, making every bite super satisfying!
Conclusion
There you have it! A dish that’s bursting with cheesy goodness and a hint of broccoli freshness. This Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken is one of my favorite weeknight meals because it’s just so simple yet so satisfying. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. Enjoy!
