Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipes

BROCCOLI-CHEDDAR STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.
• Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl then add 2 tablespoons water. Cover the bowl (a large plate works best) then microwave for 2 minutes. Remove the broccoli to paper towels, drain very well and let cool slightly.
• Chop the broccoli into small, pea-sized pieces then return it to the bowl. Add the Cheddar, cream cheese, chives, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir until well combined.
• Arrange the chicken breasts on a cutting board, and using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket horizontally into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through to the other side.
• Divide the broccoli mixture among the chicken breasts, pressing it firmly into each pocket.
• Season the outsides of the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, salt, pepper and any other preferred spices.
• Divide the olive oil among two ovenproof skillets set over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 of the chicken breasts to each skillet. Cook the chicken until seared on one side, about 3 minutes, then flip it once and cook until seared on the other side, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Transfer the skillets to the oven and continue cooking the chicken breasts until the thickest part of each breast reaches 165 degrees F, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and serve.

GRILLED CHEDDAR-STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Heat gas or charcoal grill. Between pieces of plastic wrap or waxed paper, place each chicken breast smooth side down; gently pound with flat side of meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Cut cheese into 4 slices, about 3x1x1/4 inch. Place 1 slice cheese in center of each chicken piece. Roll chicken around cheese, folding in sides. Brush chicken rolls with butter.
• Place chicken rolls, seam sides down, on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook about 15 minutes, turning after 10 minutes, until juice of chicken is no longer pink in center. Serve chicken with salsa.

CHEDDAR-STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375°F. Spray square pan, 9x9x2 inches, with cooking spray. Flatten each chicken breast half to 1/4-inch thickness between sheets of plastic wrap or waxed paper. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Cut cheese into 4 slices, about 3x1x1/4 inches. Place 1 slice cheese on center of each chicken breast half. Roll chicken around cheese, folding in sides. Brush butter over chicken rolls. Place chicken, seam sides down, in pan.
• Bake uncovered about 30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Serve with salsa. Sprinkle with cilantro.

CHEESY BROCCOLI-STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Coat an 8-inch square casserole dish with cooking spray.
• Combine broccoli, Cheddar cheese, rice, and onion in a medium bowl. Add salt and garlic granules; mix well.
• Cut a deep pocket into each chicken breast with a sharp knife. Stuff each breast with broccoli-cheese mixture, place in the prepared casserole, and sprinkle with poultry rub. Cover casserole with aluminum foil.
• Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and cook until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 10 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

GRILLED BARBECUE BACON-CHEDDAR STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium. Prepare the chicken: With your knife parallel to the cutting board, slice each chicken breast in half horizontally without cutting all the way through; open like a book. Cover with plastic wrap and pound until 1/2 inch thick.
• Make the filling: Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp; crumble. Mix 2 tablespoons bacon drippings with the melted butter in a bowl. Combine the buttermilk biscuit, bacon, half of the drippings mixture, the cheese, chives and parsley in a separate bowl. Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons water; season with salt and pepper.
• Season the pounded chicken on both sides with salt and pepper and brush with the remaining drippings mixture. Spoon the filling over the top, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Roll up the chicken toward the pointy end; tie with 3 pieces of kitchen twine.
• Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil. Grill the chicken breasts, turning, until cooked through, 18 to 20 minutes, brushing with the barbecue sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes, then remove the twine and slice.