The Perfect Sides To Serve With Broccoli And Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breast is a delicious, juicy, and tender dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. This meal is not only scrumptious but also easy to make and can be prepared in advance. The chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy mixture of broccoli, garlic, and cheese, which can be cheddar, mozzarella, or cream cheese. The dish is then seared in a skillet and baked to perfection.

To make this meal even more flavourful, you can add ingredients like spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, bacon, mushrooms, or Mediterranean-style fillings. It goes well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, rice, or a side salad.

This chicken dish is a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet, and it can be paired with sides like roasted radishes, zucchini fries, or smashed Brussels sprouts. It's a versatile and tasty meal that can be customised to your preferences and is sure to be a hit with the family!

How to butterfly chicken breasts for stuffing

Butterflying a chicken breast is a great technique to use when you want to stuff your chicken or create thinner pieces. This method is also used for other proteins such as turkey breasts, shrimp, pork, lamb, and veal.

• Place the chicken breast in the middle of a cutting board. Use a boneless, skinless chicken breast to avoid excess prep work. If your chicken breast has skin, loosen it with your fingers and pull it away from the breast.
• Place one hand on top of the chicken breast to hold it steady.
• Using a long, sharp knife, make a single long, smooth cut horizontally through the middle of the chicken breast. You don't need to be perfect, and you can use a series of shorter cuts if that's easier. Just be sure to stop before slicing all the way through, leaving the far side attached.
• Lift the top piece of chicken and lay it down flat, like opening a book.
• Season the inside of the chicken, if needed, and spread your ingredients on one half of the chicken.
• Fold the chicken back onto itself, and it's ready to bake!

You can use toothpicks to secure the chicken, but it's not necessary. If you want to flatten the chicken further, place a layer of plastic wrap over the meat and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it to your desired thickness.

Now you're ready to stuff and cook your chicken!

How to stuff chicken breasts

Ingredients and Tools

To stuff chicken breasts, you will need the following ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Butter or olive oil
• Filling of your choice (e.g. broccoli, cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, etc.)
• Salt and pepper
• Other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc.

Additionally, you will need a sharp knife, a skillet (preferably oven-safe), and toothpicks or string to secure the filling.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Start by butterflying or slicing the chicken breasts horizontally through the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will create a pocket for the filling. Season the outer side of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and other desired seasonings.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a separate bowl, prepare your filling by mixing together your chosen ingredients. For example, you could combine broccoli, cheese, garlic, and seasonings.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

Take a butterflied chicken breast and place some of the filling on one side. Then, fold the other side over and secure the edges with toothpicks or string. Be careful not to overstuff the chicken, as this may cause the filling to cook unevenly.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the chicken to an oven-safe dish after searing.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Transfer the skillet or oven-safe dish to the oven and bake at 350-375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even juicier. Enjoy your delicious stuffed chicken breasts!

How to store and reheat stuffed chicken

If you have leftover broccoli-stuffed chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in 2 layers of plastic wrap and 1 layer of aluminium foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months.

When reheating stuffed chicken, it's best to use an oven for the best results. Here are the steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• While the oven is heating up, take the chicken out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature.
• Place the chicken in a baking dish and add a small amount of liquid (water, stock, etc.) to the dish—just enough to cover the bottom.
• Cover the dish with aluminium foil and place it in the oven.
• Reheat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This should take around 20 minutes, but always check with a meat thermometer to be sure.

You can also reheat stuffed chicken in a skillet on the stove. Here's how:

• Pour a small amount of water into a skillet and place it over medium heat.
• If reheating bone-in chicken, remove the meat from the bone first.
• Place the chicken in the skillet and cook until heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F, stirring occasionally.

While it's not the ideal method, you can also reheat stuffed chicken in the microwave. Here are the steps for this approach:

• Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, with smaller pieces in the centre and larger ones around the edges.
• Drizzle a little water and olive oil over the chicken to add moisture.
• Cover the plate with a microwave lid or loose plastic wrap.
• Microwave for 2 minutes, then check the chicken. Continue cooking in 30-second intervals until the chicken is fully heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Note that chicken should only be reheated once, and any leftovers should be consumed immediately.

What to serve with broccoli cheese stuffed chicken

When it comes to sides to serve with broccoli cheese stuffed chicken, there are several options that can complement the dish. Here are some suggestions:

Crispy Zucchini Fries

Zucchini fries are a tasty and crispy side dish that pairs well with the juiciness of the chicken. They add a nice crunch and a healthy serving of vegetables to your meal.

Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are another vegetable option that can be a delicious and nutritious side. Smashing them gives them a unique texture and makes them a fun alternative to roasted or steamed sprouts.

Mashed Cauliflower

For a creamy and indulgent side, mashed cauliflower is an excellent choice. It can be seasoned and prepared in various ways to suit your taste, and it pairs beautifully with the cheese in the chicken.

Cauliflower Risotto

Another cauliflower-based option is cauliflower risotto. This dish offers a creative and low-carb twist on traditional risotto, making it a perfect match for the keto-friendly stuffed chicken.

Keto Dinner Rolls

If you're looking for something to soak up the juices and round out the meal, keto dinner rolls are a fantastic option. They provide a bread-like element without compromising the low-carb nature of the dish.

Simple Arugula Salad

For a refreshing and healthy side, a simple arugula salad is a great choice. The peppery flavour of arugula can complement the other flavours in the meal, and it adds a nice touch of greenery to your plate.

Roasted Radishes

Roasted radishes are a unique and tasty side dish. They become slightly sweet and tender when roasted, offering a nice contrast to the other flavours in the meal. Plus, they're low in carbs, with under 2 net carbs per serving.

Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

For a decadent and savoury side, try cheesy bacon-wrapped asparagus. The combination of asparagus, cheese, and bacon creates a flavourful and satisfying dish that pairs well with the chicken.

Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan

This side dish offers a creative take on zucchini by using the air fryer to create a crispy and flavourful vegetable dish. The addition of Parmesan cheese enhances the taste and makes it a delicious complement to the chicken.

Cheesy Roasted Asparagus

If you're looking for a cheesy and mouthwatering side, roasted asparagus with cheese is a great option. The asparagus becomes tender and juicy, and the cheese adds a delicious layer of flavour.

Air Fryer Green Beans

Green beans prepared in an air fryer are a tasty and healthy side dish. They become slightly crispy and retain their fresh flavour, making them a wonderful accompaniment to the chicken.

Sides to serve with broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken

There are many sides that you can serve with broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken. Here are some ideas:

Rice

You can serve the broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken with rice. For example, Garlic Parmesan Rice or Vegetable Rice Pilaf. You could also make a rice dish with white rice and mix in the leftover filling from the chicken.

Potatoes

Classic Baked Potatoes or Creamy Mashed Potatoes would also be great sides to the broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken.

Vegetables

Some vegetable side options include Parmesan Roasted Green Beans, Roasted Radishes, Smashed Brussels Sprouts, Crispy Zucchini Fries, or Roasted Asparagus.

Other Sides

Other side options include Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, Air Fryer Green Beans, Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan, or Mashed Cauliflower.

You could also serve the broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken with a side salad or Keto Dinner Rolls.

Frequently asked questions