Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Recipe

What is Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken?

Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish where boneless chicken breasts are filled with a creamy mixture of broccoli, cheese, and seasonings. The chicken is then baked or pan-seared until perfectly cooked and golden brown on the outside, while the filling remains melty and savory on the inside. It combines the rich flavors of cheese and the freshness of broccoli, making it a perfect meal for families, dinner parties, or meal prep.

Why It’s a Great Dish to Make

Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken is an excellent way to elevate a simple chicken breast into a flavorful, satisfying meal. The creamy filling provides a contrast to the lean, juicy chicken, and the balance of flavors—cheese, broccoli, and seasoning—keeps every bite interesting. This dish is great for anyone who enjoys both vegetables and cheese, and it’s versatile enough to adapt to different dietary preferences.

Ideal Occasions to Serve

• Family Dinners: It’s a hearty dish that can please picky eaters.
• Special Occasions: Great for celebrations, dinner parties, or even romantic dinners.
• Meal Prep: The recipe is easy to prepare in advance and can be reheated for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• Comfort Food: Perfect for those days when you want something warm, comforting, and delicious.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these kitchen tools to make the process smoother:

• Sharp Knife: For cutting the chicken breasts and chopping the broccoli.
• Cutting Board: To chop the ingredients safely.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine the broccoli and cheese filling.
• Frying Pan: For searing the chicken (if using the stovetop method).
• Baking Dish: If you’re baking the stuffed chicken, use a baking dish that fits the chicken breasts snugly.
• Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: To secure the stuffed chicken breasts while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: To accurately measure spices and ingredients.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Flatten the Chicken Breasts: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently flatten each chicken breast. This makes the chicken more tender and allows for a better stuffed filling. If you don’t have a mallet, you can also slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket.

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2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika) on both sides of the chicken breasts.

Step 2: Making the Broccoli Cheese Filling

1. Cook the Broccoli: If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam or boil it until it’s tender, about 3-5 minutes. Then, chop it finely. If you’re using frozen broccoli, simply thaw it and chop it up.

2. Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli with the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assembling the Stuffed Chicken

1. Stuff the Chicken Breasts: Take the flattened chicken breasts and spoon an ample amount of the broccoli cheese mixture into the center of each breast. Be sure not to overstuff them, as the filling should remain inside while cooking.

2. Secure the Chicken: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the edges of the chicken around the filling. This will help prevent the filling from spilling out while it cooks.

Step 4: Cooking the Chicken

1. Pan-Seared Method (Stovetop & Oven)

   • Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
   • Transfer the chicken to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

2. Baking Only Method:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through, and the cheese is melted.

Step 5: Serving the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove the toothpicks or twine. Let the stuffed chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before serving.

Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Variations

This recipe is highly customizable. Here are a few variations to try:

Low-Carb/Keto Version

For a keto-friendly option, skip the breadcrumbs (if using) and use low-carb substitutes such as almond flour or crushed pork rinds to coat the chicken. Make sure the filling is mostly cheese, broccoli, and cream cheese.

Vegetarian Version

Replace the chicken with a hearty vegetable like large portobello mushrooms or thick slices of zucchini. Use the same filling to stuff the vegetables, bake, and serve as a vegetarian alternative.

Spicy Version

For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the broccoli cheese mixture.

Using Different Cheeses

Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors—Gouda, Swiss, provolone, or a spicy cheese like pepper jack could all give the dish a different twist.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes complement the cheesy filling.
• Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers add extra color and texture.
• Cauliflower Rice: A great low-carb side to keep the meal light.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the stuffed chicken.

For drinks, consider serving with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. A light beer would also pair nicely.

Freezing

You can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, assemble the chicken, wrap each one in foil or plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes.

Creative Leftover Uses

• Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wraps: Shred the leftover chicken and mix it with some extra cheese, then wrap it in a tortilla with lettuce and tomatoes.
• Chicken Salad: Use the leftover stuffed chicken to make a flavorful chicken salad with your favorite dressing and veggies.
• Chicken Tacos: Shred the chicken, add some spicy salsa, and serve in soft taco shells for a quick meal.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a flavorful and hearty dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. With endless variations and the ability to make it ahead of time, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your rotation.

Yield: 4

Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish where boneless chicken breasts are filled with a creamy mixture of broccoli, cheese, and seasonings. The chicken is then baked or pan-seared until perfectly cooked and golden brown on the outside, while the filling remains melty and savory on the inside. It combines the rich flavors of cheese and the freshness of broccoli, making it a perfect meal for families, dinner parties, or meal prep.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine (to secure the chicken)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the chicken: Use a sharp knife to carefully create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the thickest part of the chicken, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Make the filling: In a bowl, combine the steamed or blanched broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Mix well until everything is combined into a creamy filling.
4. Stuff the chicken: Stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli and cheese mixture. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the chicken, making sure the filling doesn’t spill out during cooking.
5. Season: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using) on both sides.
6. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is fully cooked.
8. Serve: Remove the toothpicks or twine, then serve the stuffed chicken breasts hot. You can garnish with additional cheese or herbs if desired.

Notes

• Broccoli: Steamed broccoli works best, but you can also use frozen broccoli that's been thawed and drained.
• Cheese Variations: You can use other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for a different flavor.
• Toothpicks: Be sure to remove the toothpicks or kitchen twine before serving the chicken.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it before cooking. Just make sure to allow it to come to room temperature before cooking, or adjust the cook time slightly if it’s cold from the fridge.