Broccoli 'N Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a cheesy broccoli filling, seasoned with nutmeg and paprika, baked to perfection — a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Between waxed paper, pound each chicken breast to ¼ inch thickness and season with salt and pepper; set aside.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion and thawed, drained broccoli in margarine for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat; stir in 1 cup shredded cheese and nutmeg.
- Place an equal amount of cheese-broccoli mixture in the center of each chicken breast.
- Fold in the edges to cover the stuffing.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts seam side down in a lightly greased baking pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining broccoli mixture, cheese, and paprika over the top.
- Bake until the chicken is cooked through and filling is hot, about 12 to 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, try adding garlic or herbs like thyme to the broccoli mixture. If you prefer a creamier filling, consider mixing in a little cream cheese or sour cream. For a lighter option, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the broccoli 'n cheese stuffed chicken breasts with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For a comforting addition, consider pairing with mashed potatoes or rice. This dish also pairs beautifully with Chicken-Mac Casserole for a hearty dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will keep the chicken from becoming rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli 'N Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts contains roughly 336 calories, with 20g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 746mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Just blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes until tender, then chop and drain it before adding to the filling. Fresh broccoli will provide a vibrant color and texture to the dish.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Both Swiss and Cheddar cheeses work well for this recipe. Swiss adds a mild, nutty flavor, while Cheddar offers a sharper taste. Feel free to mix the two for a more complex flavor profile or use your favorite cheese for a personal touch.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C). Additionally, the juices should run clear, and the chicken should no longer be pink in the center.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).