If you want a cozy dinner that’s easy to make, try this broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast recipe. It’s juicy chicken filled with melted cheese and broccoli—comforting, delicious, and a sneaky way to add some veggies! Perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress without a lot of effort. With just a few ingredients, it’s a meal everyone will love.
I’ve made this dish countless times, tweaking it along the way to get that perfect balance of crisp exterior and creamy inside. It’s straightforward to prepare, and the results always turn out delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe brings a touch of homemade warmth to your plate.
Why People Love This Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
This recipe is great because it takes everyday ingredients and makes them feel a bit fancy. The broccoli and cheese filling is creamy but also has some goodness in it, which is perfect if you want something tasty that isn’t too unhealthy. Lots of people love that it’s a clever way to get kids (and grown-ups!) to eat their veggies.
It’s also super flexible. You can switch up the cheese or add different spices to make it your own. And when it comes out of the oven, the chicken is crispy on the outside and all melty on the inside, which is just so good.
Families love it for its ease. Prep takes under 20 minutes, and the oven does most of the work. It’s a go-to for meal prepping too, as leftovers reheat well without losing their appeal.
Health-conscious folks rave about the protein-packed chicken paired with broccoli’s vitamins. It’s lower in carbs than many stuffed dishes, fitting into various diets. The cheese adds that comforting element, making healthy eating feel less like a chore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll gather for four servings. These are everyday items you might already have on hand.
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 2 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed and chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Toothpicks for securing the chicken
Make sure the chicken is fresh and the broccoli is well-drained to avoid sogginess in the filling.
Equipment Required
You won’t need much gear for this recipe, keeping cleanup simple.
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Meat mallet or rolling pin (for pounding chicken)
- Large skillet (oven-safe if possible)
- Baking sheet or dish
- Toothpicks
- Measuring cups and spoons
An instant-read thermometer ensures the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature without overcooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get everything ready before starting. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This recipe serves four and takes about 45 minutes total.
Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and gently pound to 1/4-inch thick. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Set aside while making the filling. Don’t tear the meat.
Make the Broccoli Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed. Make sure it’s tasty and sticks together for stuffing.
Stuff the Chicken
Put some filling in the middle of each chicken breast. Roll it up and tuck in the sides. Use toothpicks to keep it closed. It’s okay if a little filling shows it’ll melt while cooking.
Sear the Stuffed Chicken
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Place stuffed chicken seam-side down and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Cook in batches if needed.
Bake to Perfection
Put the chicken on a baking sheet or leave it in the oven-safe pan. Add Parmesan if you like. Bake for 20-25 minutes until it hits 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
Serve and Enjoy
Take out the toothpicks. You can slice the chicken in half to show the cheesy filling. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy
Nutritional Information
This broccoli cheese stuffed chicken recipe is balanced and healthy. Nutrition is based on one stuffed breast.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 350 | 18% |
| Total Fat | 18g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 120mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 450mg | 20% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Sugars | 2g | – |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Vitamin C | 45mg | 50% |
| Calcium | 250mg | 19% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier mixing. It blends smoothly without lumps.
- Thaw broccoli completely and pat dry to prevent excess moisture from making the filling watery.
- If the chicken tears while pounding, patch it with a small piece from another breast.
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Make ahead by stuffing the chicken up to a day in advance and refrigerating until ready to cook.
- Experiment with cheeses like mozzarella for a stretchier fill or pepper jack for spice.
- Always check internal temperature to avoid undercooking.
These pointers help even beginners achieve great results every time.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides to round out the meal.
- Steamed rice or quinoa to soak up any melted cheese.
- A fresh green salad with vinaigrette for contrast.
- Roasted vegetables like carrots or potatoes for added heartiness.
- Garlic bread to complement the cheesy filling.
- A light soup starter if serving as part of a larger dinner.
For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice. Leftovers make excellent sandwiches the next day.
Conclusion
In summary, this broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast recipe delivers comfort and nutrition in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen rotation. Give it a try for your next family meal—you won’t be disappointed.
FAQ
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh works great. Steam or blanch it first until tender, then chop. This keeps the texture similar and adds a brighter flavor.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
It’s naturally gluten-free without breadcrumbs. Just skip any optional coatings or use gluten-free alternatives if adding crunch.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Substitute with ricotta or Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Mix well to maintain creaminess in the filling.
Can this be air-fried instead of baked?
Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Check temperature to ensure it’s done.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Most kids love the cheesy part, and the broccoli blends in. Start with milder cheese if they’re picky about veggies.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the exterior crisp.
Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Equipment
- sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Meat mallet or rolling pin (for pounding chicken)
- Large skillet (oven-safe if possible)
- Baking sheet or dish
- Toothpicks
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 2 cups frozen broccoli florets thawed and chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Toothpicks for securing the chicken
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Breasts
- Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and gently pound to 1/4-inch thick. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Set aside while making the filling. Don’t tear the meat.
Make the Broccoli Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, mix chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed. Make sure it’s tasty and sticks together for stuffing.
Stuff the Chicken
- Put some filling in the middle of each chicken breast. Roll it up and tuck in the sides. Use toothpicks to keep it closed. It’s okay if a little filling shows it’ll melt while cooking.
Sear the Stuffed Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Place stuffed chicken seam-side down and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Cook in batches if needed.
Bake to Perfection
- Put the chicken on a baking sheet or leave it in the oven-safe pan. Add Parmesan if you like. Bake for 20-25 minutes until it hits 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
Serve and Enjoy
- Take out the toothpicks. You can slice the chicken in half to show the cheesy filling. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy
