Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Ready to impress your dinner guests or just treat yourself to something irresistibly cheesy? Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts are the answer! This recipe transforms plain chicken into a juicy, flavor-packed main dish featuring vibrant broccoli, gooey cheddar, and a temptation of creamy richness in every bite. With a golden crust and a gooey, veggie-filled center, it’s exactly the kind of weeknight magic you’ll want to save for both family dinners and special nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something beautifully simple about the ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Each element plays its part—giving you a balance of tenderness, bold flavors, and a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and how each component brings the dish together:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and large enough to stuff—these are the perfect canvas for our flavorful filling.
- Broccoli florets: Adds bright color, nutrition, and texture to the cheesy center.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Classic cheddar melts beautifully for a gooey, tangy flavor throughout.
- Cream cheese: Just a little makes the filling lusciously creamy and helps it bind together.
- Chopped chives (or other fresh herbs): A burst of freshness that lifts every bite—try parsley or basil if you like.
- Garlic powder: Adds depth and a gentle savoriness without overwhelming the dish.
- Optional seasonings (cumin, paprika, or Italian blend): These take the taste up a notch—choose your favorite for a unique touch.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken juicy and gives you a crisp golden sear.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the flavors in the filling.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which is just the right temperature to get the chicken perfectly juicy without drying it out. While it heats, microwave the broccoli florets with a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons) for 2 minutes, covered. This quick steam tenderizes the broccoli but keeps it vividly green. Once done, drain off any water and chop into small, bite-sized pieces so they mix seamlessly into the cheesy filling.
Step 2: Make That Creamy, Cheesy Filling
In a medium bowl, stir together the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, creamy cream cheese, fresh chives, a sprinkle of garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s the time to add cumin, paprika, or your favorite Italian blend. Mix until everything is well combined—this gorgeous mix will soon become the heart of your Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts.
Step 3: Slice and Stuff the Chicken
Take each chicken breast and, using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket into the thicker side—being careful not to slice all the way through. Scoop the broccoli cheddar mixture evenly into each pocket, gently pressing it in so it’s nicely full but secure. If any filling peeks out, just tuck it back with your fingers.
Step 4: Season the Outside
Sprinkle both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and your chosen spices. This not only boosts the flavor but also gives the chicken a colorful, inviting finish once cooked.
Step 5: Sear for Golden Goodness
Heat half of your olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and sear for about 3 minutes per side, until you see a golden, appetizing crust. This crucial step locks in juices and adds a delightful texture contrast to the final dish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet (careful, it’s hot!) directly to the preheated oven. Bake the Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts for 10 to 15 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is cooked through yet remains moist and delicious.
Step 7: Let Rest Before Serving
Once baked, let your chicken breasts rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, meaning every mouthful is flavorful and succulent. The hardest part is resisting the temptation to dig in straight away!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs—like parsley, basil, or extra chives—wakes up the flavors and adds a vibrant touch to your Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts. A quick zesting of lemon over the top can also give a bright pop that cuts through the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
Serve these cheesy, flavor-packed chicken breasts alongside airy mashed potatoes, fluffy quinoa, or wild rice to round out your meal. For a lighter touch, pair with a crisp green salad or simply roasted veggies—the chicken is so satisfying, it really does play well with just about any side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party-worthy presentation, slice each stuffed breast crosswise into medallions and fan them out on the plate, showing off that colorful filling. Or, serve atop a nest of sautéed spinach for a bistro-inspired look. Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts are as beautiful as they are delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), allow your Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts to cool to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. This is a perfect meal prep option for tasty lunches!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooled, cooked chicken breasts tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat your Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts in a 325°F oven until hot in the center, about 15 to 20 minutes. For extra moisture, cover loosely with foil while heating, or add a splash of chicken broth. Avoid microwaving, as it can toughen the meat and make the filling unevenly warm.
FAQs
Can I make Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken and filling earlier in the day—just cover and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to sear and bake. This makes dinner prep a breeze, especially on busy evenings.
What other cheeses work in the stuffing?
If you want to mix things up, try using Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for a little kick. Just make sure the cheese melts well for that oozy, gooey interior that makes Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts so tempting.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in a pinch! Just microwave or steam until thawed and heated through, then chop as directed. Be sure to drain thoroughly so the filling stays creamy and not watery.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No problem! Sear your stuffed chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer to a baking dish greased with a little olive oil for the oven step. The result will be every bit as delicious.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Press the filling gently into each pocket without overstuffing. If you’re concerned, you can secure the opening with toothpicks—just remember to remove them before serving! This helps keep every bit of that broccoli cheddar goodness right where it belongs.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts—each bite is a burst of cheesy, savory comfort. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or reinventing your weeknight menu, this dish never disappoints. Give it a try and you may find it quickly becomes a regular favorite on your table!
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Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts combine juicy chicken with a flavorful cheesy broccoli filling for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- ¼ cup olive oil (divided)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
For the Filling:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese (room temp)
- 1 tbsp chopped chives (or parsley, basil, etc.)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 pinch seasonings (optional: cumin, paprika, or Italian blend)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Microwave broccoli: Microwave broccoli with 2 tbsp water, covered, for 2 minutes. Drain and chop into small pieces.
- Mix filling: In a bowl, mix chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Prepare chicken: Cut a deep slit into the side of each chicken breast to create a pocket, then fill evenly with the cheese mixture.
- Season chicken: Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika or cumin.
- Sear chicken: Heat half of the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 3 minutes per side until golden.
- Bake: Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the seasonings in the filling to suit your taste preferences.
- Ensure the chicken reaches the correct internal temperature for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken, Chicken Breast Recipe, Cheesy Chicken Recipe
