Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe | Juicy & Cheesy
I have to tell you, the first time I made this broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast recipe, I couldn’t believe how creamy and flavorful it turned out. The chicken stays juicy while the filling oozes cheesy goodness with a hint of garlic and perfectly tender broccoli. It’s become one of my go-to dinners for busy weeknights because it’s simple yet feels gourmet.
I love that my family devours it without even noticing the veggies hidden inside. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your home too! You can also enjoy a similar Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner for a different cheesy twist.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious stuffed chicken breast recipe. I always recommend using fresh ingredients wherever possible, as it really makes a difference in flavor and texture.For a fun appetizer before this meal, try Baked Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings alongside it.
For the Chicken:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – adds subtle heat.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – gives a savory depth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – complements the cheese filling perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika – for a touch of color and smoky flavor.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided) – keeps chicken moist while searing.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – fresh, not frozen, for best results.
For the Filling:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (chopped small) – fresh broccoli is key for texture; avoid frozen.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – I always grate mine fresh for better melt and flavor.
- 6 ounces cream cheese (¾ brick, room temperature) – softens the filling and adds creaminess.
- 1 clove garlic, minced – boosts the savory flavor.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste – adjust according to preference.
Note: Serves 4 people.
Variations
I love experimenting with this recipe, and you can easily tweak it for different tastes or dietary needs:
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Swiss cheese for a milder flavor.
- Use dairy-free cheese and cream cheese to make it vegan-friendly.
- Add red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a spicier kick.
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions for extra flavor layers.
Cooking Time
Here’s the breakdown of time so you can plan your meal efficiently:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Cast iron skillet – perfect for searing chicken and transferring to the oven.
- Sharp knife – for cutting the chicken and chopping broccoli.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the cheese and broccoli filling.
- Spoon or spatula – for stuffing the chicken.
- Oven – to bake the stuffed chicken to juicy perfection.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
I’ve broken this down step by step to make it simple and stress-free.
Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub them with olive oil. Mix salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika, then coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning.
Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine chopped broccoli, cream cheese, cheddar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well combined. I always taste a tiny bit to adjust the seasoning—it makes a big difference.
Stuff the Chicken
Cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through. Stuff each breast generously with the broccoli cheese mixture. Use toothpicks if necessary to hold the filling inside.
Sear the Chicken
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. This step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet with seared chicken to the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my experience, a few small tweaks really elevate this dish:
- I always use fresh broccoli; frozen tends to release too much water.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends better and gives a smoother filling.
- Don’t skip searing; it locks in flavor and creates a beautiful golden crust.
- Taste the filling before stuffing to make sure it’s seasoned perfectly.
- If you like extra gooey cheese, sprinkle a little more cheddar on top before baking.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Presentation matters, and I like to make this dish feel special:
- Serve on a white plate with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for color and freshness.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or a light salad to round out the meal.
- Slice the chicken to showcase the cheesy, broccoli-filled interior—it always impresses guests.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving of this recipe:
- Calories: 350–400 kcal (approx.)
- Protein: 38g – chicken and cheese make it high in protein.
- Carbohydrates: 5–7g – mostly from broccoli.
- Fat: 22g – healthy fats from olive oil and cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before storing.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked stuffed chicken breasts. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Microwave works too, but the oven keeps the chicken juicier.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I promise there are several reasons this dish will quickly become a favorite:
- Quick and Easy – Prep and cook in under 45 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly – Sneaks in vegetables without complaints.
- Customizable – Swap cheeses, spices, or add-ins for different flavors.
- Juicy and Flavorful – Searing locks in moisture, and the cheese filling is creamy.
- Visually Impressive – Looks gourmet even though it’s simple to make.
This recipe is straightforward, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s become my personal favorite for a cozy family dinner or an impressive weeknight treat. Once you make it, you’ll understand why so many people rave about this broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast!
Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub them with olive oil. Mix salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika, then coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning.
- In a bowl, combine chopped broccoli, cream cheese, cheddar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well combined. I always taste a tiny bit to adjust the seasoning—it makes a big difference.
- Cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through. Stuff each breast generously with the broccoli cheese mixture. Use toothpicks if necessary to hold the filling inside.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. This step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Transfer the skillet with seared chicken to the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- I always use fresh broccoli; frozen tends to release too much water.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends better and gives a smoother filling.
- Don’t skip searing; it locks in flavor and creates a beautiful golden crust.
- Taste the filling before stuffing to make sure it’s seasoned perfectly.
- If you like extra gooey cheese, sprinkle a little more cheddar on top before baking.