Chicken breasts stuffed with broccoli and cheddar cheese




*ingredients:

°4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
°3 cups of broccoli florets
°1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
°2 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
°1 tablespoon fresh chives or chopped fresh herbs
°Garlic powder,
°1/4 cup of olive oil, divided

*Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl and add 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl (a large dish works best) and microwave the broccoli for 2 minutes.
Removing broccoli from microwave and drain it well on paper towels.
Cut the broccoli into small pea-sized pieces and add back to the bowl.
Add the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chives, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to the bowl. stir until well combined.
Arrange the chicken breasts on a cutting board and using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket lengthwise in each chicken breast without cutting through to the other side.
Divide the broccoli mixture among the chicken breasts and press firmly into each pocket.
Season the edges of the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and any other favorite seasoning.
Divide the olive oil into an oven pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add two chicken breast pieces to each skillet.
Sear the chicken for 3 minutes on one side, then flip once and sear for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and continue to cook the chicken breasts until the thickness of each breast reaches 165°F, 10 to 15 minutes.
Take the chicken breasts out of the oven and serve.

& enjoy...!