If you’re craving a meal that’s as comforting as it is impressive, this Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy, cheesy blend of fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar, all baked to perfection. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that feels indulgent yet wholesome, making it a perfect dinner to share with family or friends on any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together easily but are absolutely essential to getting that rich, creamy, and flavorful filling nestled inside the chicken. Each element adds its own magic, from the sharp cheddar’s tang to the broccoli’s fresh crunch, plus the perfect seasoning to elevate everything.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thick enough to create a pocket while staying juicy and tender.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning: A simple spice mix that adds warmth and depth to the chicken.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden crust before baking.
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, slightly crisp vegetable component that balances the richness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, this cheese is the star of the filling.
- ¼ cup cream cheese: Gives the filling a creamy, luscious texture that binds everything together.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket for the filling. Taking your time here ensures the pocket won’t tear and your yummy stuffing stays inside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Generously season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the garlic powder. This seasoning not only flavors the outside but also enhances the juiciness inside during cooking.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, cream cheese, and the remaining garlic powder. Season with a bit more salt and pepper to taste. The result is a creamy, cheesy mixture with little bursts of green goodness ready to be tucked into your chicken.
Step 4: Stuff and Secure
Stuff each chicken breast pocket generously with the broccoli-cheese filling. Use toothpicks to close the openings securely so the filling stays put while cooking — no one wants cheesy filling sizzling away in the pan!
Step 5: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed breast for about 2-3 minutes per side until you get a gorgeous golden brown crust. This step locks in juices and adds a wonderful texture contrast.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the whole skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees tender, safely cooked chicken with molten cheese inside.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove your skillet from the oven, carefully take out the toothpicks, and get ready to enjoy the beautiful Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Recipe you just created!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Top your chicken with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous brightness. A small drizzle of a garlic butter sauce can also elevate the dish to next-level indulgence.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides to balance the richness. Think simple steamed vegetables, a crisp garden salad, or fluffy mashed potatoes. For a heartier option, creamy risotto or buttery garlic bread works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the stuffed chicken into thick medallions to showcase the cheesy broccoli center, then fan them out on the plate. Or serve whole breasts alongside a colorful vegetable medley, letting the vibrant filling steal the spotlight. Using a rustic wooden board also adds that warm, inviting feel perfect for family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover chicken tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually intensify after a day, making for a delicious next-day dinner or lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed chicken either before baking or after cooking. To freeze before baking, wrap each stuffed breast individually in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer bag. Cooked leftovers freeze best in airtight containers with layers separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed stuffed chicken gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through—about 15-20 minutes—to keep the chicken moist and the cheese melty, avoiding microwave reheating which can dry out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the broccoli first to prevent excess moisture from making the filling watery.
What cheese can I substitute for cheddar?
Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a mild gouda work well, offering a similar meltiness with slightly different flavor profiles.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your seasonings and cheeses are free from additives containing gluten.
Is it possible to bake the chicken without searing first?
Yes, but searing adds flavor and a beautiful crust that baking alone won’t achieve. If you’re short on time, baking still works.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so heartwarming about a dish like this Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Recipe—simple ingredients, easy steps, and an incredibly satisfying finish. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new staple in your kitchen rotation. Once you do, it just might become your go-to showstopper for dinners that feel special but don’t need hours of work!
Print
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of broccoli, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Seared to a golden brown and finished in the oven, this dish is a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, 1 tsp (divided)
- Paprika, 1 tsp
- Italian seasoning, 1 tsp
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Filling
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you prepare the chicken.
- Create chicken pockets: Slice each chicken breast horizontally, carefully cutting to create a pocket without slicing all the way through.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the garlic powder evenly over the chicken breasts on both sides.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, cream cheese, remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Stuff the chicken: Spoon the broccoli and cheese mixture into each chicken pocket, ensuring even distribution. Use toothpicks to secure the opening and keep the stuffing inside.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven, discard the toothpicks, and plate the stuffed chicken breasts for serving.
Notes
- Ensure not to cut all the way through chicken breasts when creating pockets to keep the filling contained.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to verify chicken is cooked fully to 165°F for food safety.
- You can substitute mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for cheddar if preferred.
- To save time, finely chop broccoli so it combines better with the cheeses.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
