Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Filling:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (chopped into smaller pieces)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 ounces cream cheese (¾ brick, room temperature)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Seasoning: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small dish, combine 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon ground paprika. Drizzle 4 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken breasts and evenly rub the seasoning mixture onto each breast to coat thoroughly.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, 6 ounces of room temperature cream cheese, 1 minced garlic clove, and season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and set aside.
- Stuff the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a wide pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through to keep the filling contained. Stuff each pocket with approximately one-quarter of the prepared broccoli and cheese filling.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear each side to achieve a golden brown crust, taking care not to cook the chicken through. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; sear in batches if necessary.
- Bake the Chicken: After searing, arrange all four stuffed chicken breasts back in the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Do not overstuff the pockets to prevent filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature for easier mixing with other filling ingredients.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness to avoid under or overcooking the chicken.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular pan and then transfer to a baking dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
