– **Title**: Broccoli Cheese Chicken Breast
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Optional: breadcrumbs for topping
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned.
3. While the chicken is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender (about 3-5 minutes).
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir well until smooth.
5. In a baking dish, arrange the browned chicken breasts. Top each breast with the steamed broccoli, then pour the cheese mixture over the top.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. If desired, add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy your Broccoli Cheese Chicken Breast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great for this dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use turkey breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal, but frozen works too. They are quick and convenient! You can also substitute with spinach, green beans, or cauliflower if broccoli isn’t your thing.
Cheeses: Cheddar cheese gives a rich flavor, while mozzarella adds gooeyness. If you’re dairy-free, vegan cheese can work here. Experiment with different cheese blends like gouda or pepper jack for a twist!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a nice substitute. It adds a tangy flavor while still making everything creamy.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika enhance the flavor of the chicken. Feel free to switch out spices like Italian seasoning or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Searing Chicken?
Searing chicken makes a big difference for flavor and texture. The goal is to get a golden, crispy exterior. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure chicken breasts are dry; pat them with paper towels. This helps with browning.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high until hot, then add olive oil. You should see it shimmer.
- Place chicken breasts in the skillet, but don’t overcrowd. This allows them to brown properly.
- Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, only flipping once. This lets that delicious crust form!
Once you develop that nice color, you can move on to adding the broccoli cheese mixture. Happy cooking!
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese and Broccoli Mixture:
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake, making the total time about 40 minutes. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives your oven time to heat up while you prepare the chicken and cheese mixture.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. Then, gently fold in the broccoli florets so they are coated with the cheese mixture.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This ensures that they sear nicely. Season both sides with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
4. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step gives the chicken a nice flavor and color!
5. Add the Cheese Mixture:
After searing, remove the skillet from the heat. Scoop the broccoli and cheese mixture and spread it evenly over each chicken breast, making sure they are all covered with the creamy goodness.
6. Top with Mozzarella:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the broccoli mixture for an extra cheesy finish.
7. Bake:
Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Serve:
When finished, take the skillet out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice the chicken and serve warm. Enjoy this creamy and cheesy broccoli cheese chicken breast!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just fine. Just make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in the microwave. This will help maintain the texture of your dish.
Can I Substitute Other Cheeses?
Yes! You can use any cheese you enjoy or have on hand. Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even pepper jack could add a nice flavor twist. Just keep the ratios similar to maintain the creaminess of the dish.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to keep it creamy!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can prepare the chicken and the cream cheese mixture a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the skillet and cover tightly in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
