A cozy, family-friendly dish featuring juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy broccoli and cheddar mixture. This recipe combines the comfort of melted cheese with a fresh herb lift, all wrapped in a golden sear and finished in the oven.
Course Comfort Food, Family Favorites, Low Carb, Main Course, Oven-Baked
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 738kcal
Ingredients
4largechicken breastsboneless, skinless
3cupsbroccoli florets
1 ½cupsshredded cheddar cheese
2ozcream cheeseroom temp
1tbspchopped chivesor parsley, basil, etc.
¼tspgarlic powder
1pinchseasoningsoptional: cumin, paprika, or Italian blend
¼cupolive oildivided
salt & black pepperto taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Microwave broccoli with 2 tbsp water, covered, for 2 minutes. Drain and chop into small pieces.
In a bowl, mix chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
Cut a deep slit into the side of each chicken breast to create a pocket, then fill evenly with the cheese mixture.
Rub the chicken with half of the olive oil, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika or cumin.
Heat the remaining olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 3 minutes per side until golden.
Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack or add red chili flakes for extra heat. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and eat within 3 to 4 days; reheat to 165°F.