Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Chicken breasts are an incredibly versatile protein, and they provide a fantastic base for countless fillings. One of the best combinations that will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation is Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts. The pairing of tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy broccoli stuffing is the perfect balance of richness and nutrition. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Let’s walk through the process of making Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts from start to finish. This recipe requires some prep work to stuff and sear the chicken, but it’s worth the effort to get those delicious flavors and textures.
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli and Stuffing
The first thing to do is prepare the filling for the chicken breasts. This step is relatively quick and easy.
- Sauté the garlic and broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be sure not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Cook the broccoli: Add the chopped broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender. You want the broccoli to retain some crunch, so avoid overcooking it. Season the broccoli with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the stuffing: Once the broccoli has cooled slightly, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. You should have a thick, creamy stuffing. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
To stuff the chicken breasts, you’ll need to prepare them so that they can hold the creamy broccoli and cheddar filling.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts: Lay each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a pocket for the stuffing. Be sure to cut almost all the way through, but leave one edge intact to prevent the filling from spilling out. If necessary, you can also use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Season the chicken: Once you’ve cut the chicken breasts, season both sides with salt and pepper. This ensures that the chicken itself is flavorful and that it balances out the richness of the stuffing.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Now that the chicken is prepared, it’s time to stuff each breast with the creamy broccoli-cheddar mixture.
- Stuff each chicken breast: Spoon about 1/4 cup of the broccoli-cheddar filling into each chicken breast pocket. Be sure to stuff it generously, but don’t overfill, as it could cause the chicken to tear. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press the stuffing gently into the chicken to make sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Secure the chicken: Once the chicken breasts are stuffed, use toothpicks to seal the opening, or tie them with kitchen twine. This helps prevent the stuffing from leaking out while the chicken cooks. If you’re using toothpicks, be sure to remove them before serving.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Searing the chicken before baking helps to lock in the juices and creates a golden, crispy exterior. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the pan: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. You should hear a sizzle when the chicken hits the pan.
- Sear the chicken: Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the chicken breasts develop a golden-brown crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, sear the chicken in batches.
- Add butter: After searing the chicken, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan. Allow it to melt and coat the chicken. Spoon the melted butter over the top of the chicken breasts for added richness and flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Once the chicken is seared, it’s time to finish cooking it in the oven. Baking ensures the chicken is fully cooked and the filling stays nice and creamy.
- Transfer to the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the chicken has been seared, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Check for doneness: After 20 minutes, check the internal temperature of the chicken. If it’s not yet 165°F, return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and helps the chicken stay moist.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Now that the chicken is cooked, it’s time to plate and enjoy this delicious meal.
- Plate the chicken: Use tongs or a spatula to transfer the stuffed chicken breasts to a serving platter. Be careful not to tear the chicken when moving it.
- Garnish (optional): You can garnish the chicken with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for an added touch of color and freshness. A drizzle of melted butter from the skillet also works as an extra indulgence.
- Serve: Serve the chicken with your favorite side dishes. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad would complement this dish beautifully.
Tips for Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Use room temperature cream cheese: It’s important to use softened cream cheese for the stuffing. Cold cream cheese will make the filling harder to incorporate and can result in a lumpy texture.
- Don’t overstuff the chicken: While it’s tempting to load the chicken up with the delicious filling, overstuffing can cause the chicken to tear or the stuffing to spill out. Keep the filling inside the chicken to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Check the chicken temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Pound the chicken for even thickness: If the chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, they may cook unevenly. Gently pound the thick side of the breast with a meat mallet to make it even, ensuring uniform cooking.
- Rest the chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps it stay juicy. Don’t skip this step!
Variations on Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts
While the classic broccoli and cheddar combination is a winner, there are many ways to mix it up and add your own twist to this dish. Here are a few variations:
- Add Bacon: For an extra savory flavor, add crumbled bacon to the broccoli-cheddar stuffing. Bacon’s smoky flavor complements the creamy cheese and broccoli filling perfectly.
- Spicy Chicken: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the stuffing to give it a spicy kick.
- Use Different Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is the star of this dish, you can experiment with other cheeses. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella would work well for a milder flavor, while blue cheese could add a tangy twist.
- Mushroom Stuffing: For a deeper, earthier flavor, add sautéed mushrooms to the stuffing along with the broccoli. This adds a savory umami punch that enhances the dish.
- Stuffed Chicken with Spinach: Mix some fresh spinach into the broccoli and cheddar stuffing for added nutrition and a burst of color.
Conclusion
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts is a simple yet impressive dish that combines the best of both worlds—tender chicken and a creamy, cheesy filling. This meal is not only delicious but also highly customizable, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. The balance of savory, creamy, and slightly crispy textures makes this dish a family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion.
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Ingredients
- For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed and chopped (or 1 cup frozen broccoli, thawed and chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor and color)
- For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Stuffing:
- Steam the broccoli florets until tender (about 4-5 minutes) and chop them into small pieces.
- In a bowl, mix the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
- Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
4. Stuff the Chicken:
- Spoon the broccoli and cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, filling it generously.
- Secure the chicken breasts with toothpicks if necessary to ensure the stuffing stays inside while cooking.
5. Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Bake the Chicken:
- After searing, sprinkle the tops of the stuffed chicken breasts with a little extra shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.