Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy dinner option, stuffed chicken breasts are an excellent choice. This recipe combines tender chicken with a flavorful filling of broccoli, red bell pepper, and creamy Colby Jack cheese. It’s not only easy to make but also a colorful addition to your dinner table. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this mouthwatering dish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 2 to 2¼ pounds total)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1½ cups finely chopped broccoli florets (blanched and patted dry)
¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
1⅓ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
1½ tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons olive oil
Toothpicks (optional, for sealing)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
In this recipe, you will begin by preheating the oven and preparing the chicken breasts by cutting pockets for stuffing. Season the chicken to enhance the flavor, then create a vibrant filling using broccoli, red bell pepper, cheese, and mayonnaise. Once stuffed, sear the chicken in a skillet and finish cooking it in the oven. Don’t forget to let the chicken rest before removing toothpicks and serving.
This dish works perfectly for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when entertaining guests. Enjoy your homemade stuffed chicken breasts and watch as they quickly become a favorite!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Chicken
Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut a pocket lengthwise into the side of each chicken breast, ensuring not to slice all the way through. Gently use your fingers to widen the pockets for stuffing.
Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts and inside the pockets.
Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the blanched broccoli florets, diced red bell pepper, shredded Colby Jack cheese, mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon of the seasoning blend. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to break up the broccoli florets too much.
Stuff the Chicken
Divide the filling mixture evenly among the chicken breasts, spooning it into each pocket. If desired, secure the openings with 2–3 toothpicks to keep the filling in place during cooking.
Sear the Chicken
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the olive oil. Place two of the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove them from the skillet and set aside. Repeat with the remaining two chicken breasts.
Bake the Chicken
Return all four seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Cover the skillet with foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving.
Notes
Chicken Breast Size
For even cooking, choose chicken breasts of similar size. If needed, lightly pound them to a uniform thickness before cutting the pockets.
Broccoli Preparation
If using frozen broccoli, ensure it’s thawed and excess moisture is squeezed out to prevent sogginess.
Cheese Substitution
Mild cheddar cheese can be used as a substitute for Colby Jack cheese.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Before starting the cooking process, it is important to preheat your oven to ensure even cooking throughout the chicken. Setting it to 400°F (200°C) in advance allows it to reach the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake.
Preparing Chicken Breasts
To create a pocket in the chicken breasts, use a sharp paring knife to carefully slice lengthwise into the side. Make sure not to cut all the way through, and gently widen the pocket with your fingers to make it easier to stuff.
Seasoning the Chicken
Evenly coat both sides of the chicken breasts and the interior of the pockets with a seasoning mix of salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This enhances the flavor of the chicken throughout the cooking process.
Making the Filling
Combine finely chopped blanched broccoli, diced red bell pepper, shredded Colby Jack cheese, mayonnaise, and some of the seasoning blend in a bowl. Aim for a texture that holds together without breaking the broccoli florets too much.
Stuffing the Chicken
Spoon the filling mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket. You may use toothpicks to secure the openings, which helps keep the filling inside during cooking.
Searing the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes on each side until lightly browned. This step develops flavor and aids in achieving a nice texture.
Baking the Chicken
Once seared, cover the skillet with foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 18–20 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Resting the Chicken
After removing the skillet from the oven, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender chicken. Don’t forget to remove any toothpicks before serving.
FAQ
Can I use other vegetables in the filling?
Yes, you can customize the filling by using other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini, as long as they are finely chopped and properly drained if cooked.
What can I substitute for Colby Jack cheese?
Mild cheddar cheese is a great substitute for Colby Jack cheese and can provide a similar flavor profile in the dish.
How can I ensure even cooking of chicken breasts?
Choose chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking. You can also lightly pound them to achieve a uniform thickness before cutting pockets.
What if I don’t have a toothpick to seal the chicken?
If you don’t have toothpicks, you can simply be careful while handling the stuffed chicken, as the filling may stay intact without sealing.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just ensure to stuff the chicken breasts close to when you plan to cook them for the best results.
Conclusion
This stuffed chicken breast recipe is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful filling of broccoli, red bell pepper, and Colby Jack cheese. It’s a perfect option for a wholesome dinner that is both easy to prepare and sure to impress your family or guests. The seasoned chicken, along with the cheesy, vegetable-filled stuffing, creates a balanced meal that is both satisfying and delicious.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Stuffed Chicken with Spinach and Feta
Substitute the broccoli and red bell pepper with cooked spinach and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
Cream Cheese and Herb Stuffing
Use cream cheese mixed with herbs like thyme and parsley as a filling for a rich, creamy flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups
Add buffalo sauce to the mayonnaise in the filling and use shredded cooked chicken instead for a spicy kick.
Mushroom and Swiss Cheese Stuffing
Sauté mushrooms with garlic and mix in Swiss cheese for a savory, earthy flavor profile.
Caprese Stuffed Chicken
Fill the chicken with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a fresh Italian-inspired dish.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Filling
Mix sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese for a tangy, rich filling that pairs well with the chicken.
