– **Title**: Broccoli Cheese Chicken Breast
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
– 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
– 1/4 cup milk (optional for creaminess)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Heat olive oil or butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
6. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them on top of the broccoli. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts.
7. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken.
8. If desired, pour the milk around the edges of the skillet to help steam the broccoli and keep the chicken moist.
9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
10. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Broccoli Cheese Chicken Breast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for easy cooking. If you need a lighter option, use turkey or grilled tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch, but frozen works well too. If you’re not a fan of broccoli, try spinach or cauliflower for a different flavor and texture.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese provides a rich, creamy base. For a lighter version, Greek yogurt can be used, though the taste will change slightly. If you’re lactose intolerant, consider using a dairy-free cream cheese.
Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses create a gooey, melty finish! Feel free to swap the cheddar for pepper jack for some heat or use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses great flavor, but garlic powder is a decent substitute. Don’t skip the garlic; it’s essential for the overall taste!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
Cooking chicken breasts can be tricky; they can dry out easily. To prevent this, first sear the chicken in your skillet to lock in moisture. Cook just until lightly browned, around 4-5 minutes per side.
- Keep the heat at medium, so the chicken cooks evenly without burning.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it juicy and tender.
Also, using a meat thermometer is a great way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (75°C).
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook in the oven. You’ll enjoy the tasty combination of chicken, broccoli, and cheeses, all baked together to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get it nice and hot while you’re preparing the chicken, making everything cook evenly.
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam the florets until they’re tender—about 7-10 minutes. If you’re using frozen broccoli, simply thaw it and drain any excess water. Once ready, set the broccoli aside for later.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well blended.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, just until they are lightly browned, but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it in a baking dish.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Now it’s time to layer! Divide the cooked broccoli evenly on top of each chicken breast. Then, take the cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over the broccoli and chicken.
6. Add Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of everything. This will create a glorious cheesy topping as it bakes!
7. Bake the Chicken:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
8. Optional Broiling:
If you love that extra crispy top, you can turn on the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
9. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once out of the oven, allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a beautiful touch. Enjoy your delectable Broccoli Cheese Chicken Breast!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen broccoli and drain any excess water before using it in the recipe. This will help prevent the dish from becoming watery while baking.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different, so adjust the seasoning as needed.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
