Broccoli and Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious, low-carb, and keto-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor. The creamy broccoli and melted cheddar cheese perfectly complement the tender chicken breast, making this dish satisfying and nutritious. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or butter, for cooking)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the broccoli:
- Steam or microwave the broccoli florets until they are tender. You can also blanch them in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. Once tender, drain and chop the broccoli into small pieces.
2. Make the stuffing:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cooked and chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined and creamy. Set the stuffing mixture aside.
3. Prepare the chicken breasts:
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle, but not all the way through. You want to create a “pocket” to stuff with the broccoli and cheese mixture.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other seasoning you like (garlic powder, paprika, etc.).
4. Stuff the chicken:
- Stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli and cheese mixture, ensuring it’s packed evenly into the pocket. You can secure the opening with toothpicks if needed to hold the stuffing in place.
5. Cook the chicken:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown.
- Once browned, sprinkle the top of each chicken breast with grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor) and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
6. Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve the stuffed chicken breasts with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete low-carb meal.
Tips:
- You can add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the stuffing for additional flavor.
- If you want a richer stuffing, you can add some cooked bacon crumbles to the broccoli mixture.
- For a crispy crust, you can sear the chicken breasts first in the skillet, then finish them in the oven under the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes.
This Broccoli and Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast is a flavorful and satisfying keto-friendly meal that the whole family will love! 🍗🧀
