Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Family Hit
Tender chicken breasts take on a whole new dimension with this irresistible broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken recipe that promises a burst of cheesy goodness in every bite.
The combination of crisp broccoli and melted cheddar creates a delightful filling that turns ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Cheese lovers will swoon over the rich, gooey center that oozes with flavor and texture.
Each slice reveals a perfect balance of protein and vegetables, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious.
Simple ingredients come together to create a meal that looks like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.
The golden-brown exterior gives way to a creamy, flavorful interior that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Let’s find out this easy and delicious recipe that transforms weeknight dinner into a culinary celebration.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 350 kcal
Servings: 5
Ingredients for Stuffed Chicken Breasts
For Protein Base:
Chicken Breasts: Large cuts perfect for stuffing, ensure they are fresh and uniform in size for even cooking.
Cream Cheese: Provides creamy texture and helps bind the filling, select full-fat version for richer taste.
For Filling Components:
Broccoli Florets: Adds nutritious green vegetable with slight crunch, choose vibrant green and firm pieces.
Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor and melty goodness, opt for freshly shredded for best melting quality.
Chives: Introduces mild onion-like freshness, select bright green and crisp herbs for maximum flavor.
For Seasoning and Enhancement:
Olive Oil: Helps create golden exterior and prevents sticking, use extra virgin for best flavor.
Garlic Powder: Offers deep, aromatic background note, choose freshly ground for more intense taste.
Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.
Tools for Chicken Stuffing Made Simple
Large Skillet: Perfect for searing chicken to golden perfection.
Sharp Knife: Essential for cutting pockets in chicken breasts and chopping broccoli.
Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for preparing ingredients.
Mixing Bowl: Great for combining broccoli, cheeses, and seasonings.
Measuring Spoons: Helps add precise amounts of salt, pepper, and spices.
Microwave-Safe Bowl: Needed for steaming broccoli florets.
Baking Dish: Ideal for finishing chicken in the oven.
Tongs: Useful for handling and turning chicken during searing.
How to Stuff Chicken
Oven Preparation Cozy warmth surrounds the kitchen as the oven heats up, ready to transform simple ingredients into a delightful meal.
Broccoli Transformation Fresh broccoli gets a quick steam bath, softening into tender green morsels that will become the heart of our flavor adventure.
Creamy Filling Blend velvety cheese, smooth cream cheese, and bright chives into the broccoli, creating a luxurious stuffing that promises incredible taste.
Chicken Pocket Creation Gently slice each chicken breast, creating a hidden treasure trove for our scrumptious filling, carefully nestling the cheesy mixture inside.
Seasoning Explosion Sprinkle magical spices across the chicken, awakening deep flavors that will make taste buds dance with excitement.
Golden Sear Quick kiss of hot oil turns the chicken into a beautiful golden masterpiece, locking in juiciness and creating a crispy exterior.
Oven Finale Chicken bakes until perfectly cooked, filling the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that signal a delicious meal is moments away.
Tips for Keeping Chicken Juicy & Flavorful
Swap cheddar for smoky gouda or tangy blue cheese to create exciting new taste profiles that keep this dish interesting.
Prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, covered, for a convenient meal prep option that saves time on busy nights.
Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed almonds on top before baking to add a delightful crispy texture that complements the creamy filling.
Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar to lighten up the recipe without sacrificing incredible flavor, making it a guilt-free weeknight dinner option.
Experiment with different herb combinations like fresh dill, basil, or Italian seasoning to give the chicken a unique and personalized taste that keeps everyone guessing.
Serve It with Veggies, Pasta, or Rice
Cheesy Family Feast: Gather the whole family around this delightful chicken dish that transforms a simple protein into a mouthwatering meal everyone will love.
Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Impress your guests with these beautifully stuffed chicken breasts that look professionally prepared but are surprisingly easy to make.
Perfect Pairing Partners: Serve alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes or a crisp garden salad to complement the rich, creamy filling and balance the meal's flavors.
Meal Prep Champion: Cut chicken breasts in advance, prepare the filling, and store separately in the refrigerator for a quick weeknight dinner that comes together in minutes.
Store It Without Losing That Stuffed Goodness
Quick Chill Strategy: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers within two hours of cooking to maintain fresh flavors and prevent bacteria growth.
Refrigeration Wisdom: Enjoy refrigerated stuffed chicken breasts within 3-4 days, keeping them in sealed containers to retain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
Freezing Technique: Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Magic: Warm chicken gently in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and ensure the cheesy broccoli filling stays creamy and delicious.
Comforting broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken brings creamy, cheesy goodness to weeknight dinners. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this protein-packed meal a delightful choice when you want something special yet approachable.
Ingredients
Scale
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (large)
1 ¼ cups (5 oz/140 g) shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups broccoli florets
2 oz (56 g) cream cheese (room temperature)
¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) olive oil
1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
garlic powder (to taste)
cumin (to taste)
salt (to taste)
black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Broccoli Filling: Microwave broccoli florets until tender, then finely chop and mix with cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chives, salt, and black pepper to create a uniform stuffing.
Chicken Preparation: Carefully slice a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast, taking care not to cut completely through the meat.
Stuffing: Fill each chicken breast pocket generously with the broccoli-cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the pocket.
Seasoning: Coat the exterior of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for enhanced flavor.
Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops.
Roasting: Transfer seared chicken to the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Resting: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to enable juice redistribution before slicing and serving.
Notes
Precision Cutting Technique: Create a clean, shallow horizontal pocket in chicken breasts without piercing through, ensuring filling stays intact during cooking.
Moisture Retention Strategy: Allow chicken to rest after cooking for 5 minutes, which helps redistribute juices and prevents dryness, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meal.
Filling Distribution Hack: Finely chop broccoli and mix ingredients thoroughly to guarantee even flavor and texture in every bite of the stuffed chicken.
Temperature Safety Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally, eliminating potential foodborne illness risks and ensuring perfect doneness.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.