Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
When it comes to weeknight dinners, the Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a dish that brings excitement to the table. I remember the first time I made this recipe; it felt like a celebration in my kitchen. The moment you cut into the chicken and see the vibrant green of the broccoli and the gooey melted cheese spilling out is nothing short of magical. It’s a simple dish, but the layers of flavor and texture make it feel special. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress. I often find myself gravitating towards recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to make, and the Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken fits the bill perfectly. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens! Combining tender chicken with cheesy goodness, this recipe has become a go-to in our household, bringing smiles and satisfied stomachs every time.
Recipe Snapshot
35 mins
10 mins
25 mins
Medium
320 kcal
30 g
Standard
12 g
Air Fryer, Frying Pan, Skillet, Oven, Chef’s Knife, Baking Sheet
Why This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Shines
Flavorful and Satisfying
The Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a delightful dish that is both filling and flavorful. The combination of succulent chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese creates a satisfying meal that everyone loves. Each bite is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes, making it a memorable experience at the dinner table.
Healthy Ingredients
One of the reasons I adore this recipe is that it incorporates nutritious ingredients. With fresh broccoli at its core, you’re not only enjoying a tasty meal but also loading up on vitamins and minerals. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy your veggies without compromising on flavor.
Versatile Cooking Methods
This recipe can be made using either the oven or an air fryer, which adds to its convenience. Whether you prefer the crispy finish from the air fryer or the slow-roasted perfection of the oven, the Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken adapts beautifully to both methods. This versatility makes it suitable for any cooking style or kitchen setup.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re someone who enjoys meal prepping, this dish is a fantastic choice. You can easily prepare a batch of Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. It reheats wonderfully, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
Kid-Friendly
Let’s face it: getting kids to eat their vegetables can be a challenge. However, the cheesy goodness and fun presentation of the Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken make it a dish that kids will love. It’s a sneaky way to ensure they’re getting their greens while still enjoying a delicious meal.
Great for Entertaining
Entertaining guests? The Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a dish that looks impressive without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s an easy way to serve something that feels gourmet yet is simple enough for home cooks to master. Your friends and family will be raving about it long after the meal is over.
Recipe Ingredients for Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
When it comes to the ingredients for Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken, each component plays a vital role in creating a delicious and hearty dish. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich cheese not only satisfies hunger but also brings a burst of flavors to your plate. These key players work together seamlessly to create a meal that’s both comforting and healthy.
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a vibrant color and a healthy crunch to the dish. It’s packed with vitamins and makes the stuffed chicken feel light and nutritious.
- 8 thin chicken breast cutlets, about 3 to 4 ounces each: The chicken serves as the perfect canvas for all the delicious fillings. Thin cutlets are easy to roll and cook quickly, ensuring a juicy result.
- 1 large egg: This acts as a binding agent that helps hold the fillings together, giving the chicken a rich texture.
- 2 teaspoons water: Used to mix with the egg, helping to create an egg wash that adheres the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
- 3/4 cup whole wheat or gluten-free seasoned breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs provide a crispy coating that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior and adds an appealing crunch.
- 4 slices cheddar cheese, cut in half (3 oz): Melty cheese is the star of this dish, delivering a creamy flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Olive oil spray: A light spray of oil helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist.
- Toothpicks: Handy for securing the stuffed chicken rolls together, ensuring that all the delicious fillings remain inside during cooking.
How to Assemble Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Assembling the Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering meal that will be the highlight of your dinner. You’ll love how easily everything comes together!
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking and a nice golden finish on the chicken. While the oven heats, grab your sheet pan and spray it lightly with olive oil.
Take the broccoli and place it in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon of water. Cover the bowl and microwave for about one minute until the broccoli is bright green and tender. Once done, drain any excess water and season the broccoli with 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt.
In a separate small bowl, crack the egg and add 2 teaspoons of water. Whisk them together until well combined. This egg wash will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken later. Set it aside for a moment.
Prepare a second bowl filled with breadcrumbs. The seasoned breadcrumbs will add both flavor and texture, so make sure they are ready for the next steps.
Now it’s time to prepare the chicken. If your cutlets aren’t 1/4-inch thin, use a meat mallet wrapped in wax paper to pound them thin. Thinner cutlets make for easier rolling and cooking.
Season both sides of each chicken cutlet with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. This seasoning boosts the flavor of the chicken itself, making every bite delicious.
On each cutlet, lay a 1/2 slice of cheddar cheese in the center, followed by 2 tablespoons of the steamed broccoli. The cheese and broccoli combo creates a tasty filling that will melt beautifully during cooking.
Carefully roll the chicken around the filling, ensuring that the cheese and broccoli are completely enclosed. Use toothpicks to secure the ends of each roll if needed, which helps keep the filling from leaking out.
Once all the rolls are assembled, dip each one into the egg wash, ensuring they are well coated. Then, roll them in the prepared breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick properly. Place each coated roll on the prepared sheet pan.
Finally, give each roll a light spray with olive oil, which helps achieve a crispy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden. Be sure to check that the chicken is no longer pink inside before serving.
Things Worth Knowing
- Thickness Matters: Ensure that your chicken cutlets are evenly pounded to about 1/4-inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly and makes rolling much easier.
- Flavor Boost: Consider seasoning your breadcrumbs with additional spices like garlic powder or Italian herbs for an extra flavor punch.
- Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and juicy.
- Don’t Skip the Toothpicks: Using toothpicks to secure your rolls is vital; it keeps the filling intact during cooking. Just remember to remove them before serving!
Customization Ideas
One of the best parts about the Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is how versatile it can be. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some great customization ideas:
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms with the broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor and texture.
- Seasoning Options: Spice things up by adding some crushed red pepper or cayenne to the filling for a bit of heat. You can also try adding different herbs for varying flavors.
- Low-Carb Option: If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, consider using thin slices of zucchini or eggplant instead of chicken, stuffed in the same way.
- Stuff with Quinoa: For a heartier filling, mix in some cooked quinoa with the broccoli and cheese. It adds a nutty flavor and additional protein.
- Air Fryer Techniques: If you prefer using an air fryer, you can adjust the cooking time and temperature to achieve that crispy texture while keeping the chicken juicy.
- Garnish Ideas: Top the finished dish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Serve This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken With
Finding the right sides to accompany your Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Here are some delightful suggestions to complement this dish:
- Steamed Vegetables: A medley of steamed carrots, green beans, or asparagus makes for a nutritious and colorful side.
- Garlic Bread: A slice of crispy garlic bread is a perfect way to soak up any melted cheese or sauce from the chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
- Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs compliments the flavors of the Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken beautifully.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a hit; they provide a comforting, hearty side that pairs well with the chicken.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light dressing adds freshness to the meal.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate and add a sweet finish to your dinner.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together beautifully. It’s an easy way to impress your loved ones while also ensuring they get their veggies! I encourage you to try this recipe tonight and savor the delightful combination of cheesy goodness and wholesome ingredients. You won’t regret it!
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking and a nice golden finish on the chicken. While the oven heats, grab your sheet pan and spray it lightly with olive oil.
- Take the broccoli and place it in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon of water. Cover the bowl and microwave for about one minute until the broccoli is bright green and tender. Once done, drain any excess water and season the broccoli with 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- In a separate small bowl, crack the egg and add 2 teaspoons of water. Whisk them together until well combined. This egg wash will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken later. Set it aside for a moment.
- Prepare a second bowl filled with breadcrumbs. The seasoned breadcrumbs will add both flavor and texture, so make sure they are ready for the next steps.
- Now it’s time to prepare the chicken. If your cutlets aren’t 1/4-inch thin, use a meat mallet wrapped in wax paper to pound them thin. Thinner cutlets make for easier rolling and cooking.
- Season both sides of each chicken cutlet with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. This seasoning boosts the flavor of the chicken itself, making every bite delicious.
- On each cutlet, lay a 1/2 slice of cheddar cheese in the center, followed by 2 tablespoons of the steamed broccoli. The cheese and broccoli combo creates a tasty filling that will melt beautifully during cooking.
- Carefully roll the chicken around the filling, ensuring that the cheese and broccoli are completely enclosed. Use toothpicks to secure the ends of each roll if needed, which helps keep the filling from leaking out.
- Once all the rolls are assembled, dip each one into the egg wash, ensuring they are well coated. Then, roll them in the prepared breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick properly. Place each coated roll on the prepared sheet pan.
- Finally, give each roll a light spray with olive oil, which helps achieve a crispy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden. Be sure to check that the chicken is no longer pink inside before serving.
