Broccoli Stuffed Chicken

Don't be scared by this recipe, it's easy to make and the filling is made better by the whole thing being wrapped in bacon!

I used to make a lot of stuffed chicken recipes, but I stopped and I'm not sure why. I think it used to seem daunting but then it ended up not being daunting at all. I decided that I wanted to wrap this recipe in bacon...because why not. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The filling was wonderful. The chicken seasonings were perfect with the dish as a whole. I honestly cannot remember if I did toothpicks at this point, but I may have. Use your best judgement. If you need to secure it with toothpicks for your peace of mind, do that! :)

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What you need:

• 3 large chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, divided
• 1/4 tsp. paprika
• 1 cup finely chopped steamed broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese 
• 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• Bacon

Directions:

1. Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, paprika, and 1/2 tsp. garlic (between the three, not on each).
2. Slice a pocket into each chicken breast being careful not to cut all the way through. 
3. Mix together steamed broccoli, red bell pepper, cheese, mayo, 1 tsp. garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Divide the mixture between the three chicken breasts. Then wrap each chicken breasts with a slice of bacon (or two, depending on the size of the chicken). Use a toothpick to secure if needed.
5. In a large oven-safe skillet like a cast iron, heat olive oil over medium to medium-high heat.
6. Sear chicken on each side for 3 to 4 minutes. Then cover the pan with foil.
7. Bake covered pan in a preheated 425 degree oven for 15 to 17 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe slightly adapted from I Wash, You Dry

If you want a quicker chicken breast recipe, test out this 20-Minute Chicken & Spinach Parmesan recipe. It's a keeper! If you want something along this same vein with chicken and pork, then this Easy Baked Ham & Cheese Stuffed Chicken from Real Housemoms is for you!