The Best Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Recipe Ever Made

Broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken breasts upgrade ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences with their unexpected flavor profile.

Imagine a crispy exterior giving way to a molten cheese and verdant vegetable interior that promises pure satisfaction.

Protein-packed and rich with creamy texture, this dish elevates home cooking beyond standard weeknight fare.

Melted cheddar mingles seamlessly with vibrant Broccoli, creating a harmonious filling that bursts with savory complexity.

The combination delivers a nutritious meal that feels simultaneously indulgent and wholesome.

Strategic preparation ensures each chicken breast becomes a canvas for delectable ingredients.

These stuffed chicken breasts offer a delightful solution for those craving comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Why Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Is a Cheesy Win

• Burst with Creamy Cheesy Goodness: The combination of cheddar and cream cheese creates a luxurious, velvety filling that melts perfectly inside the chicken, delivering an indulgent flavor explosion in every bite.
• Quick and Easy Protein-Packed Meal: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers a high-protein dinner (45g per serving) that's simple to prepare and satisfies hunger without complicated techniques.
• Nutritional Powerhouse in One Dish: Loaded with lean protein from chicken, fiber from broccoli, and essential nutrients, this meal balances healthy eating with incredible taste, making it perfect for fitness enthusiasts and flavor lovers alike.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Elegant enough for dinner parties yet quick enough for busy families, these stuffed chicken breasts transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that impresses without stress.

What You’ll Need for That Ooey-Gooey Center

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat for stuffing, choose fresh and evenly sized for consistent cooking.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic seasoning to the chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste and seasoning.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh vegetable providing texture and nutrition, choose bright green and crisp.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that adds rich flavor to the stuffing.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy binder that helps hold the stuffing together.
• Chives: Mild onion-like herb for subtle freshness and green color.

• Olive Oil: Helps sear chicken and prevent sticking, provides light flavor.
• Water: Used for softening broccoli before mixing into stuffing.

How to Prep Chicken That’s Crispy Outside, Creamy Inside

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for cooking.

Step 2: Cook Broccoli

Microwave broccoli florets with a splash of water, drain thoroughly, chop finely, and transfer to a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Create Cheese Filling

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Softened cream cheese
• Chopped chives
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Prepare Chicken Breasts

Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast, creating space for the filling.

Step 5: Stuff Chicken

Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the broccoli and cheese mixture.

Step 6: Season Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Optional additional spices of your choice

Step 7: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden brown on the outside.

Step 8: Bake Chicken

Transfer chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Tips for Stuffing Success Without the Mess

• Pocket Precision: Create a clean, deep cut in chicken breasts without slicing through, ensuring the filling stays secure during cooking.
• Cheese Melt Magic: Mix cream cheese at room temperature for smoother blending and easier stuffing of the chicken pockets.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally for safe consumption.
• Sear for Success: Pat chicken breasts dry before searing to achieve a golden-brown exterior and lock in moisture.
• Resting Ritual: Let stuffed chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after baking to redistribute juices and maintain tender texture.

Keep That Filling Creamy Even After Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, these delicious chicken breasts will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is tightly closed to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The foil helps retain moisture and keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
• Microwave Tip: When time is short, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Use 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to avoid overcooking.

Perfect Pairings for This Protein-Packed Favorite

• Pair with Fresh Chardonnay: The buttery, crisp white wine complements the creamy cheese and tender chicken, balancing the rich flavors with its subtle oak undertones.
• Serve alongside Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: The green vegetable adds a complementary texture and earthy flavor that enhances the broccoli-cheddar filling while providing a nutritious side dish.
• Match with Crusty Sourdough Bread: The tangy bread helps soak up the delicious cheese and chicken juices, creating a perfect bite that adds extra dimension to the meal.
• Create a Zesty Herb Salad: A light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the stuffed chicken, offering a refreshing contrast and cleansing the palate between bites.

Stuffing Variations That Make This Dish Even Bolder

• Spinach Swiss Swap: Replace broccoli with chopped spinach and swap cheddar for Swiss cheese, creating a lighter, earthier flavor profile that adds Mediterranean-inspired elegance to the chicken.
• Mediterranean Feta Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta, diced sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh oregano into the stuffing for a Greek-inspired version that delivers tangy, bright Mediterranean notes.
• Jalapeño Pepper Jack Punch: Mix diced jalapeños with pepper jack cheese in the stuffing for a spicy kick, adding cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning to amplify the heat and excitement.
• Mushroom Gruyère Earthy Option: Blend sautéed mushrooms with gruyère cheese, adding thyme and a touch of truffle oil to create a rich, woodsy filling that elevates the classic recipe with sophisticated undertones.

Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy chicken breasts embrace creamy cheddar and roasted broccoli in this irresistible dinner sensation. Savory cheese melts perfectly inside tender chicken, creating a comforting meal packed with flavor and protein that delivers pure culinary satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (large)

Filling Ingredients:

• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 ¼ cups (5 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 ounces (56 grams) cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• Garlic powder (to taste)
• Cumin (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place fresh broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with of water, cover, and steam for 2-3 minutes until tender.
3. Drain the broccoli thoroughly and finely chop into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution in the filling.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, finely minced chives, salt, and black pepper.
5. Carefully create a horizontal pocket in each chicken breast using a sharp knife, being cautious not to cut completely through the meat.
6. Generously stuff each chicken breast pocket with the prepared broccoli and cheese mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
7. Season the exterior of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, additional salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
8. Heat of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
9. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
10. Transfer the 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).
11. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Notes

• Stuffing demands precision, so chop broccoli into small, uniform pieces for even distribution inside chicken pockets.
• Cream cheese acts as a binding agent, helping the broccoli and cheddar mixture stay compact and creamy during cooking.
• Searing chicken before baking locks in moisture and creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior that enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Letting chicken rest after baking allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains tender and succulent.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the classic broccoli and cheddar flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking, Sautéing, Stuffed Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 145mg