The Best Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Succulent broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken redefines an ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering culinary adventure.

Creamy cheese and vibrant green florets nestle inside tender meat, creating a delightful flavor explosion.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate this sophisticated yet approachable dish that elevates weeknight meals.

Combining proteins with vegetables makes nutrition deliciously exciting and satisfying for everyone at the table.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of textures that dance across your palate with surprising complexity.

The recipe balances richness and lightness in a way that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Strategic ingredient layering ensures maximum taste with minimal effort.

Why Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Is So Popular

• Flavor Explosion: Stuffed with creamy cheddar and tender broccoli, this chicken delivers a mouthwatering combination that transforms an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience.
• Quick and Simple Cooking: Uses straightforward techniques like searing and baking, making it perfect for home cooks who want delicious results without complicated steps.
• Protein-Packed Nutrition: Combines lean chicken with nutrient-rich broccoli, creating a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating goals.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Looks impressive and tastes sophisticated, yet requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills to achieve a professional-level dish.

Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main vessel for the delicious stuffing, best when fresh and uniform in size for even cooking.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic flavor enhancers that bring out the natural taste of the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the overall seasoning profile.
• Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky undertone and beautiful reddish color.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that introduces complexity and Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition, texture, and vibrant color to the chicken stuffing.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that brings rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture to the filling.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich cheese that helps bind the filling and adds luxurious creaminess.

• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy oil that helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning of the chicken.

Steps to Make Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Easily

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Gather all ingredients and tools. Wash hands thoroughly. Clear kitchen counter for easy preparation.

Step 2: Slice Chicken Pockets

Place chicken breasts on clean cutting board. Use sharp knife to carefully create deep pocket in center of each breast. Cut horizontally without slicing completely through.

Step 3: Season Chicken Exterior

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Italian herbs

Gently massage seasonings into chicken surface.

Step 4: Create Cheesy Broccoli Filling

• Finely chopped broccoli florets
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Softened cream cheese
• Minced garlic
• Pinch of salt
• Ground black pepper

Mix ingredients until well blended.

Step 5: Stuff Chicken Breasts

Carefully spoon broccoli cheese mixture into chicken pockets. Press gently to distribute evenly. Secure openings with toothpicks to prevent filling from leaking.

Step 6: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place stuffed chicken breasts in hot pan. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer skillet directly into preheated 375°F oven. Bake 15-17 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove chicken from oven. Let rest 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving. Slice and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful chicken.

Cooking Tips for Stuffed Chicken Without Dry Spots

• Slice Strategically: Create a deep pocket in chicken breasts without cutting all the way through, ensuring a secure filling space that prevents leakage during cooking.
• Season Generously: Don't hold back on seasoning; the salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs will penetrate the meat, creating layers of delicious flavor.
• Cheese Consistency Matters: Ensure cream cheese and cheddar are well-mixed and at room temperature for smoother blending and even distribution throughout the broccoli filling.
• Sear for Success: Brown the chicken in a hot skillet before baking to lock in moisture and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust that adds incredible texture.
• Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, preventing undercooking while avoiding dry, overcooked meat.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Stuffed Chicken

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the stuffed chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen stuffed chicken can maintain quality for up to 2 months when stored correctly.
• Reheating: Warm chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the chicken's crispy exterior and prevent soggy texture.

Side Dishes That Work Well with Broccoli Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chardonnay or sauvignon blanc cuts through the rich, creamy cheese and complements the broccoli's slight bitterness, creating a balanced and refreshing dining experience.
• Serve with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The smooth, buttery potatoes provide a perfect creamy backdrop that enhances the cheesy chicken's texture and absorbs the delicious pan juices.
• Brighten with Fresh Arugula Salad: A light, peppery salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds a zesty contrast to the heavy, cheesy chicken, cleansing the palate between bites and introducing a fresh, vibrant element to the meal.
• Complement with Crisp Chardonnay: A medium-bodied white wine with subtle oak notes will harmonize with the cheddar and cream cheese, cutting through the richness while elevating the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Ways to Switch Up Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Fillings

• Southwestern Spice Sensation: Swap traditional seasonings for chili powder, cumin, and add diced green chiles to the broccoli cheese filling. Top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Dream: Replace Italian seasoning with oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes into the stuffing for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Bacon Lover's Paradise: Mix crispy chopped bacon bits into the broccoli and cheddar filling. Wrap the stuffed chicken with additional bacon slices before baking to create a decadent, smoky version of the original recipe.
• Ranch-Infused Classic: Blend ranch seasoning mix into the cream cheese and add a sprinkle of dried dill to the stuffing. Serve with a side of homemade ranch dressing for dipping to elevate the chicken's flavor.

Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken breasts embrace a creamy broccoli cheddar filling that promises comfort and flavor in each delightful bite. Rich cheese melts perfectly inside tender chicken, creating a satisfying main dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 large breasts)

Filling:

• 1 cup small chopped broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup cream cheese

Seasonings and Oil:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Butterfly each chicken breast by carefully slicing horizontally, creating a deep pocket while ensuring the sides remain intact for secure stuffing.
2. Blend broccoli florets, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a smooth, cohesive filling mixture.
3. Generously season chicken’s exterior with paprika, Italian herbs, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, massaging spices into the meat.
4. Gently pack the creamy broccoli-cheese mixture into each chicken pocket, pressing softly to distribute evenly without tearing the meat.
5. Seal the chicken’s openings using toothpicks, preventing the filling from escaping during cooking.
6. Warm olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
7. Carefully place stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet, searing each side for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops.
8. Transfer the skillet directly into a preheated 375°F oven, allowing the chicken to roast for 15-17 minutes.
9. Verify doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest section, confirming an internal temperature of 165°F.
10. Remove toothpicks before serving, letting the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes to redistribute internal juices.

Notes

• Chicken breasts work best when they’re similar in size for even cooking and consistent stuffing.
• Fresh broccoli provides more vibrant flavor and texture compared to frozen varieties.
• Cream cheese helps bind the filling and creates a smooth, creamy consistency inside the chicken pocket.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg