If you’re looking for a flavorful, hearty, and healthy dinner, look no further than Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast. This dish combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy filling that is both satisfying and nutritious. The blend of tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and cream cheese makes each bite incredibly rich and savory, while the seasoning adds a perfect depth of flavor. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is a great way to elevate a typical chicken dinner into something truly special.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 large chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the Filling:

• 2 cups chopped broccoli (small pieces)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Dash of salt and pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for baking the stuffed chicken once it’s ready.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small dish, combine the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat each one evenly. Rub the seasoning mixture onto the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re well-coated on both sides. The seasoning will enhance the flavor of the chicken and give it a beautiful golden finish as it cooks.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and a dash of salt and pepper. Stir until the filling ingredients are evenly combined and set aside. This filling is what will make your chicken moist, creamy, and full of flavor.

Step 4: Cut and Stuff the Chicken

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a wide pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through. The pocket should be large enough to hold the filling but not so deep that it cuts through the chicken. Stuff each chicken breast generously with the prepared filling, ensuring it’s packed in securely.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. The goal is to give the chicken a nice crust but not cook it all the way through. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to do this in batches.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken

After searing the chicken breasts, place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The filling will melt into the chicken, creating a creamy and flavorful center.

Step 7: Serve

Take the skillet out of the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Slice the stuffed chicken breasts into pieces, if desir