Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken is the ultimate answer to a weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and impressive. Imagine juicy chicken breasts filled to the brim with a creamy, cheesy broccoli mixture, baked to tender perfection with melty, golden edges. This dish balances the vibrant flavors of sharp cheddar and garlic with the wholesome goodness of broccoli, and it never fails to please kids and adults alike. Whether you want to dress up your usual chicken routine or wow guests with minimal effort, this recipe brings restaurant-worthy results right from your own oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple staples for Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken—together, they transform everyday chicken into something extraordinary. Each ingredient is handpicked for its part in bringing out the richness, crunch, and bold flavors that make this dish a family favorite.
- Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts so they’re easy to cut and stuff, and bake up juicy.
- Broccoli Florets: Finely chopped for even cooking and a lovely green pop with every bite; fresh or lightly steamed yields great results.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For maximum flavor and that perfect melty, gooey inside—go sharp to balance the broccoli.
- Cream Cheese: A couple tablespoons is all it takes to make the filling creamy and help it hold together.
- Garlic Powder: Lends savory depth and really wakes up the stuffing flavors without having to mince fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the overall savoriness and complements the cheddar beautifully.
- Paprika: Just the right amount of color and smokiness for a gorgeous golden finish.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning is key—season both the filling and the chicken for layering flavor.
- Olive Oil: For searing, adding a crisp exterior and keeping everything juicy before it hits the oven.
- Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: Don’t skip these—securing the stuffed breasts means more filling stays put!
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of salt, and cracked black pepper. Mix everything together until the filling is well blended and evenly distributed. The cream cheese makes the mixture smooth and helps the broccoli and cheddar stick together for the perfect filling.
Step 2: Slice the Chicken Breasts
Grab your sharpest knife and carefully slice a deep pocket into each chicken breast, being sure not to cut all the way through. Start at the thickest side and gently work the blade in so you’ll have plenty of room for stuffing. Take your time on this step; a good pocket helps keep all that cheesy goodness inside while the chicken bakes.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Spoon a generous amount of the creamy broccoli cheese filling into each chicken breast pocket. Press it in but don’t overstuff—just enough that you can still close the opening. Secure each breast with toothpicks or tie carefully with kitchen twine to keep all that oozy goodness from escaping in the pan.
Step 4: Season the Outside
Lay the stuffed chicken breasts on a plate or tray, then sprinkle the outsides with paprika, salt, and black pepper. This creates a gorgeous color and a spicy, savory crust once the chicken sears and bakes. If you like, give them a light drizzle of olive oil for extra moisture.
Step 5: Sear for Maximum Flavor
Set a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When it’s hot, carefully arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until gorgeously golden brown. You’re not cooking them through here—just building flavor and sealing in juices.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet straight to your preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes. The chicken should register 165°F on a meat thermometer, and the filling will be bubbling and beautifully melty. Let the Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute—then get ready to slice into cheesy, savory bliss!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken
Garnishes
Enhance every plate by scattering extra chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or an extra pinch of sharp cheddar adds just the right touch of flavor and color for presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve your Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken alongside buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice pilaf, or even simple roasted baby potatoes for a hearty meal. If you’re going low-carb, a crisp green salad or oven-roasted asparagus is the perfect complement to the cheesy, savory chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or special occasions, slice the stuffed chicken breasts on the bias and fan out the pieces on a platter to showcase the vibrant filling. Garnish with extra steamed broccoli florets and a drizzle of pan juices for a truly impressive centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken, let it cool completely before packing slices into airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; the cheesy filling stays creamy and the chicken remains moist when sealed tightly.
Freezing
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken can also be frozen before or after baking! Wrap each stuffed breast tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then pop into a freezer bag. For the best texture, freeze unbaked and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. For a quick lunch, you can also microwave individual slices in short intervals, though the oven preserves the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for the filling?
Absolutely! Just thaw and pat the frozen broccoli dry before chopping and mixing it with the cheese. This prevents extra moisture from making the filling watery inside your Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Secure each stuffed breast with toothpicks or kitchen twine and make sure not to overstuff. Press the filling gently into the pocket and double-check that the opening is tightly closed before searing and baking.
What’s the best way to prep Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken ahead?
You can assemble the stuffed breasts a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook. When it’s time for dinner, just sear and bake as directed—great for make-ahead entertaining or busy nights!
Can I swap out the cheese for something else?
Sure thing! Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss for a fun twist on the classic. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor and melt, making the Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken customizable for your tastes.
How can I tell when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken. The filling should be hot and bubbly, and the meat juicy but no longer pink.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that feels both cozy and a little bit special, Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken is a true standout. Give it a try—your family (and your future self) will thank you with every creamy, cheesy, chicken-filled bite!
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Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this delicious Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken recipe that combines juicy chicken breasts filled with a savory blend of broccoli and cheese, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Stuffing:
- 1 cup finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix stuffing: Combine broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare chicken: Slice a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with the broccoli cheese mixture.
- Season: Season the outside of the chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear: Sear stuffed chicken in olive oil until golden brown.
- Bake: Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can steam the broccoli slightly before mixing for a softer texture.
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed breast
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
