Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken

→ Broccoli and Cheese Filling

→ For Cooking

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Cut a pocket lengthwise into the side of each chicken breast using a sharp paring knife, being careful not to cut all the way through. Gently use your fingers to widen the pockets. Set aside.

In a small bowl, mix together the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Set the seasoning blend aside.

In a medium bowl, combine the broccoli florets, red bell pepper, colby-jack cheese, mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon of the reserved seasoning blend. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the broccoli florets.

Fill each chicken breast pocket with a quarter of the broccoli mixture. Secure with 2-3 toothpicks per chicken breast to keep the filling in place.

Use the remaining seasoning blend to sprinkle evenly over both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts.

Preheat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and sear two stuffed chicken breasts at a time for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining two chicken breasts.

Place all browned chicken breasts back into the skillet. Cover with foil and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 165°F.