Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken – A Flavor-Packed Dinner Favorite
Looking for a quick, easy, and protein-packed meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying? Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken is the perfect dish! This juicy, oven-baked chicken breast is stuffed with a creamy cheese and broccoli filling, offering a mouthwatering combination of flavors.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something cheesy and comforting, this dish will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 4 Large Chicken Breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
For the Cheesy Broccoli Filling:
- 1 cup Fresh Broccoli (finely chopped and steamed)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded, preferably sharp cheddar)
- ¼ cup Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 Garlic Clove (minced)
- ¼ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped Fresh Parsley
- Extra Shredded Cheese on Top
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to make a deep pocket in each breast.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Drizzle with olive oil and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheesy Broccoli Filling
- Steam the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes until tender, then chop it finely.
- In a bowl, mix broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until the filling is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
- Carefully spoon the broccoli and cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast.
- Use toothpicks to secure the opening to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If desired, sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove toothpicks before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp salad.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and enhances the flavor.
- Don’t Overstuff: Too much filling can cause it to spill out while cooking.
- Secure with Toothpicks: Helps keep the filling inside the chicken.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Add a Crispy Coating: Roll the chicken in panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Variations of Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling.
- Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap the stuffed chicken with bacon strips before baking.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice.
- Extra Creamy: Mix in mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for a richer filling.
What to Serve with Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken
Pair this dish with:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Steamed Green Beans
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Caesar Salad
- Rice Pilaf
How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze stuffed chicken before baking for up to 3 months.
- To cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Conclusion: A Perfectly Balanced Meal
Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken is easy to make, packed with protein, and incredibly delicious. The cheesy, creamy filling combined with juicy chicken makes this recipe a family favorite.
Try it tonight and enjoy a perfectly balanced meal that’s both nutritious and comforting!
Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking dish
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup broccoli florets steamed and chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup breadcrumbs optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, mix the steamed broccoli, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Stuff the Chicken
- Cut a pocket in each chicken breast (be careful not to cut all the way through).
- Stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli mixture.
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Step 4: Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
Notes
For extra flavor, add some shredded parmesan cheese to the filling.