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Chicken breasts are a versatile and lean protein that can be cooked in countless ways, but one of the most satisfying and comforting dishes is Broccoli Cheese Chicken Breast. This recipe takes succulent chicken breasts, fills them with tender, cheesy broccoli, and then bakes them in a savory, flavorful sauce. The combination of the protein from the chicken, the vitamins and fiber from the broccoli, and the rich, gooey cheese is not only delicious but also nutritious.
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Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or just want a quick and tasty weeknight dinner, this Broccoli Cheese Chicken Breast recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. The best part? It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be adjusted to suit various dietary preferences.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time and can be on the table in under 45 minutes.
- One-Pan Meal: It’s a convenient one-pan dish, reducing cleanup time after cooking.
- Customizable: You can adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs, such as using low-fat cheese, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or swapping out chicken for other protein sources.
- Healthy and Nutritious: The combination of lean chicken, broccoli, and cheese makes this dish high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, while still being lower in carbs compared to many other cheese-based dishes.
- Comfort Food: The creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken make this dish feel like a treat, without the heavy guilt.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, prep your chicken breasts. If the chicken breasts are thick, you may want to butterfly them by slicing them horizontally, creating a pocket for the broccoli and cheese mixture. If they are already thin, you can simply use them as is.
Once your chicken breasts are ready, season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. The seasoning will enhance the flavor of the chicken and the filling.
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Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
In a small pot, bring water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until they are tender but still bright green. Drain the broccoli and chop it finely, or pulse it a few times in a food processor if you want it to blend more seamlessly into the filling. If you’re using frozen broccoli, ensure it’s thawed and well-drained before chopping.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli with the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a creamy and well-combined filling. The mixture should be thick and able to hold its shape.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Take each seasoned chicken breast and carefully slice a pocket into the side (or butterfly it). Stuff the chicken breasts generously with the broccoli and cheese filling, ensuring that they are filled but not overflowing. If the filling seems to be spilling out, you can secure the opening with toothpicks to keep everything in place during baking.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil (or butter). Once the oil is hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. This will help lock in the juices and give the chicken a crispy, flavorful exterior.
Once the chicken is browned on both sides, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be fully cooked, and the filling should be hot and melted.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is baking, you can prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard (if using), Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Once the chicken has finished baking, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the chicken breasts. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
Step 8: Serve
Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color. Serve the dish with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheese Chicken Breast
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Don’t Overstuff the Chicken: While it’s tempting to load up the chicken breasts with extra filling, try to avoid overstuffing them. This can cause the filling to spill out during baking. Use just enough to fill the pocket without overflowing.
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Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will give the filling a better texture and flavor compared to frozen broccoli. However, if frozen broccoli is all you have, be sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the filling.
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Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. Overcooking the chicken can lead to dry, tough meat, so monitor the cooking time carefully.
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Customize the Cheese: You can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your tastes. For example, try using Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for a more complex flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can add depth to the dish.
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Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: A cast-iron skillet retains heat well and provides even cooking. It’s also oven-safe, so it’s perfect for searing and baking the chicken in one pan.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and stuffing ahead of time, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes the recipe perfect for meal prep or a stress-free dinner party.
Variations and Customizations
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Low-Carb Version: Skip the breadcrumbs to make the dish keto-friendly. Instead, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for added flavor and texture.
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Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping. You can also omit the topping altogether if you prefer a simpler version.
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Spicy Broccoli Cheese Chicken: Add some heat to the filling by mixing in some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can also sprinkle chili powder or smoked paprika in the filling for a smokier flavor.
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Mushroom Broccoli Cheese Chicken: Add sautéed mushrooms to the broccoli cheese filling for an earthy flavor. Mushrooms pair wonderfully with the creamy cheese and chicken.
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Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts are traditionally used, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well for this recipe. They are juicier and more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your Broccoli Cheese Chicken Breast:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make a perfect complement to the richness of the chicken.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic are always a crowd-pleaser and provide a comforting side to balance the savory chicken.
- Steamed Rice: A simple side of steamed white or brown rice soaks up the sauce and adds heartiness to the meal.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken and cheese.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will last for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave the chicken or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Be sure to add a little extra cream or broth to the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.
Conclusion
Broccoli Cheese Chicken Breast is a fantastic meal that combines juicy chicken breasts, creamy broccoli, and gooey cheese for a satisfying and flavorful dish. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a meal that’s both comforting and healthy.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup fresh broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. - Cook the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through yet as it will finish cooking in the oven. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the heavy cream and cream cheese (if using), and stir to combine. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. - Add Broccoli and Cheese:
Stir in the steamed or blanched broccoli florets, and then add the shredded cheddar cheese (and mozzarella if using). Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy. - Return Chicken to Skillet:
Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet on top of the broccoli cheese mixture. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. - Bake:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked. - Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
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