Cooking Broccoli And Cheese Stuffed Chicken: How Long?

Broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken is a tasty, juicy, and easy-to-make meal. The cooking time varies depending on the recipe, but it typically takes around 30 minutes in the oven. Some recipes call for searing the chicken in a skillet before baking, which adds a few minutes to the overall cooking time. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner as it is simple to prepare and can be made low-carb and keto-friendly with a few adjustments.

How to butterfly chicken for stuffing

To butterfly chicken for stuffing, you'll need to use a sharp knife or a pair of kitchen scissors/shears. Here are the steps you can follow:

• Place the chicken breast on a cutting board, with the smooth side (without ribs) facing down.
• Using your knife or scissors, cut along one side of the backbone. Then, cut along the other side to remove it completely. You can save the backbone in your freezer for making homemade chicken broth later.
• With the backbone removed, the chicken will open up into a butterfly shape. To ensure it lays flat, make a small cut on the top of the chicken breast bone.
• Now, you can stuff your chicken with your desired filling. Be careful not to overstuff, leaving some space for the filling to cook through.
• Secure the edges of the chicken with toothpicks or kitchen twine if needed.

Butterfly chicken is a great method for even cooking and faster roasting. It also makes it easier to carve the chicken when it's cooked.

How to cook broccoli for stuffing

There are a few ways to cook broccoli for stuffing. Here are some methods and tips to help you get the best results:

• If you are using fresh broccoli, cut the florets into small, evenly sized pieces. This ensures that the broccoli cooks evenly and is easy to stuff into the chicken.
• For frozen broccoli, it is best to thaw and drain it before use. Some recipes call for cooking the broccoli according to the package instructions, while others suggest steaming or boiling it until slightly tender before adding it to the stuffing.
• When preparing the stuffing mixture, combine the broccoli with other ingredients such as cheese, soup, mayonnaise, and seasonings. This can be done in a bowl or directly in the baking dish.
• To stuff the chicken, create a pocket in each breast by cutting into the side with a sharp knife. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
• Stuff each chicken breast with an appropriate amount of filling. Avoid overstuffing, as this can impact cooking and may cause the filling to spill out.
• Depending on the recipe, you may need to secure the filling with toothpicks.
• If you prefer crispier broccoli, you can bake the stuffed chicken uncovered. However, if it starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil.
• For food safety, ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle and prevent dryness.

How to cook chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Method:

• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with a large sheet of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to lightly pound the chicken into an even thickness.
• For a dry brine (recommended for juicier chicken), sprinkle the chicken with the kosher salt and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day. If you don't have time for this step, skip it and move on to the next step.
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. If you skipped the dry brine, add the salt now.
• Place the chicken in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle the spice mixture over the top. Toss to coat the chicken, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed on both sides.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (or 190°C).
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, smooth side down, and cook for 6 minutes.
• Remove the air fryer basket and carefully flip the chicken over with tongs. Continue cooking for 2 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. The chicken is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F, but removing it a few degrees early and letting it rest will yield juicier results.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• Brining the chicken, either with a dry brine or a wet brine (saltwater solution), helps to keep the meat juicy and well-seasoned.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken, as this will dry it out. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness.
• If you're using frozen chicken breasts, you can put them straight into the air fryer, but they won't be quite as juicy. Drizzle them with olive oil and season as desired. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once.

How to make a crunchy crust

Now, this is the fun part. You've done the hard work of preparing your chicken, broccoli, and cheese filling, and you're ready to add that extra bit of crunch. Here's how to do it:

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Line a baking pan (8x12 or 9x13) with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. You can also use a glass casserole dish and just spray it with cooking spray.
• Prepare your chicken breasts by butterflying them. This involves cutting through the chicken breast horizontally, almost but not all the way, so that you can open it like a book.
• Season the insides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Add your broccoli-cheese filling to the chicken breasts. Place a sprinkle of cheese on one side of the opened chicken breast, top with chopped broccoli, and then add another hearty sprinkle of cheese. This seals in the broccoli.
• Fold the chicken breasts closed, then carefully place them in your prepared baking dish.
• In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and breadcrumbs.
• Spread the buttery breadcrumb mixture on top of the chicken breasts. This step is key to achieving that delicious, crunchy crust.
• Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
• Enjoy your crunchy, cheesy, and delicious broccoli-cheese stuffed chicken!

Tips and Variations

• You can use different types of cheese for the filling, such as mozzarella or pepper Jack, to switch up the flavors.
• If you want to keep the dish gluten-free, low-carb, or keto-friendly, you can skip the breadcrumbs. Instead, sprinkle some paprika or extra cheese on top of the chicken breasts before baking.
• To ensure your chicken is properly cooked, use a digital thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.

What to serve with broccoli cheese stuffed chicken

Broccoli cheese stuffed chicken is a hearty dish, and there are plenty of sides that can be served with it. Here are some ideas:

• Rice dishes: Garlic Parmesan Rice or Vegetable Rice Pilaf are great options to accompany the chicken. You can also mix any leftover filling with white rice for a tasty variation.
• Potatoes: Classic baked potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes are always a hit and will help fill up hungry diners.
• Veggies: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans or other roasted vegetables make a healthy and tasty side dish.
• Salads: A side salad is a refreshing option to balance out the richness of the stuffed chicken.
• Bread: Serve some crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce or filling.
• Pasta: Try a simple pasta dish like penne with a light sauce to round out the meal.

Frequently asked questions