Tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of broccoli, cheddar, and herbs make for a hearty meal that’s rich in flavor and nutrition. Perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, these stuffed chicken breasts are easy to prepare and bring a delightful surprise with each bite. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes for a balanced, delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Cheesy Goodness: The cheddar and cream cheese blend gives the filling a smooth, rich texture that melts beautifully inside the chicken.
Perfectly Juicy: Searing the chicken first ensures a golden crust, while baking finishes it to juicy perfection.
Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein, fiber, and calcium, this dish is as healthy as it is delicious.
Impressive Presentation: Stuffed chicken always looks and tastes special, but it’s surprisingly easy to make!
Key Ingredients:
Chicken Breasts: Choose large, thick chicken breasts for easier stuffing. If the chicken breasts are too small, you may have extra filling, which you can bake separately.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar works wonderfully, adding a strong flavor that pairs well with the broccoli. Feel free to mix with mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid extra moisture.
Fresh Herbs: Chives add a delicate oniony flavor, but parsley, thyme, or basil would also be lovely.
Optional Spices: Garlic powder, cumin, and paprika bring a depth of flavor to the chicken and pair perfectly with the broccoli-cheddar filling.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set the Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for finishing the chicken after searing.
2. Prepare the Broccoli
Steam the Broccoli: Place florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with a plate and microwave for 2 minutes.
Drain and Chop: Drain well on paper towels, chop into pea-sized pieces, and return to the bowl.
3. Make the Stuffing
Combine Ingredients: To the chopped broccoli, add shredded cheddar, cream cheese, chopped chives, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Stir to combine well.
4. Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Slice Pockets: On a cutting board, use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice through completely.
Stuff the Chicken: Divide the broccoli-cheese mixture evenly among the breasts, pressing the stuffing firmly into each pocket.
5. Season the Chicken
Season: Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper, and any preferred spices like cumin or paprika over both sides of each chicken breast for enhanced flavor.
6. Sear the Chicken
Heat the Oil: Divide olive oil between two ovenproof skillets over medium heat.
Sear: Place two chicken breasts in each skillet. Sear for 3 minutes on one side, then flip and sear for 2-3 minutes on the other side to form a golden crust.
7. Bake the Chicken
Bake: Transfer the skillets to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until each breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Serve
Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving, to let the juices settle. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions:
This Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken is delicious on its own, but here are some sides that make it even better:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for stuffed chicken, perfect for soaking up any cheesy filling that escapes.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add color and complement the cheesy filling.
Steamed Rice: Fluffy steamed rice makes a light and simple side.
Cauliflower Mash: A lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash is creamy, healthy, and pairs beautifully with the chicken.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Leftovers of this stuffed chicken store and reheat beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.
Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap each stuffed chicken breast individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, though the oven will maintain the best texture.
Recipe Variations:
Try one of these twists to change up the flavors of your stuffed chicken:
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken: Replace the broccoli and cheddar with fresh spinach and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken: Add diced jalapeños to the cheese filling for a spicy kick.
Mushroom and Swiss Stuffed Chicken: Sauté mushrooms with garlic and mix with Swiss cheese for a creamy, earthy filling.
Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Stuffed Chicken: Wrap the stuffed chicken breasts with bacon before searing and baking for a smoky, indulgent flavor.
Buffalo Cheddar Stuffed Chicken: Add a dash of hot sauce to the filling and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles for a spicy, tangy version.
Conclusion:
This Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken is an easy way to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your dinner table. With a tender chicken breast filled with cheesy broccoli goodness, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve with a variety of sides, making it a meal you’ll want to keep on regular rotation. Enjoy each juicy, cheesy bite!
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts large
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or other fresh herbs
- 1/4 cup olive oil divided
- garlic powder to taste
- cumin to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for finishing the chicken after searing.
- Place broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave for 2 minutes. Drain well on paper towels, chop into pea-sized pieces, and return to the bowl.
- To the chopped broccoli, add shredded cheddar, cream cheese, chopped chives, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Stir to combine well.
- On a cutting board, use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice through completely. Divide the broccoli-cheese mixture evenly among the breasts, pressing the stuffing firmly into each pocket.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper, and any preferred spices like cumin or paprika over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Divide olive oil between two ovenproof skillets over medium heat. Place two chicken breasts in each skillet. Sear for 3 minutes on one side, then flip and sear for 2-3 minutes on the other side to form a golden crust.
- Transfer the skillets to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until each breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving, to let the juices settle. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.