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Keto Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken - A Comforting, Low-Carb Dinner

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
  • 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar blend)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise (or sour cream)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or dried parsley)
  • 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine, for securing

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment for easy cleanup.
  2. Steam or microwave the broccoli. Cook the chopped broccoli just until tender-crisp—about 2–3 minutes in the microwave or 3–4 minutes steamed. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Make the filling. In a bowl, mix broccoli, cheddar, cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  4. Butterfly the chicken. Place a chicken breast on a cutting board. With your hand flat on top, slice horizontally to create a pocket, stopping about 1/2 inch from the other side. Repeat with the remaining breasts. Season the outside of each breast with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Stuff the chicken. Spoon the broccoli-cheese mixture into each pocket, dividing it evenly. Don’t overfill; you may have a tablespoon or two left depending on breast size. Secure the opening with toothpicks.
  6. Sear for color (optional but recommended). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer seared chicken to your prepared baking dish.
  7. Bake. Place in the oven and bake 18–22 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time can vary based on breast size and how much you seared.
  8. Rest and serve. Let the chicken rest 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks and slice. Spoon any melted cheesy goodness from the pan over the top. Serve with a simple salad, roasted cauliflower, or sautéed greens.