Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

Name: Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup broccoli, finely chopped; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for cooking

Highlighted under: Simple Comfort Recipes

I love creating new ways to enjoy chicken, and this Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken is one of my favorites! The combination of tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy broccoli and cheddar mixture is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that never fails to impress at the dinner table and makes for great leftovers, too! Whether for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures that my whole family enjoys. I hope you love it as much as we do!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T21:37:27.755Z

When I first made this Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken, I was amazed at how quickly my family devoured it. The secret is in the tangy cheddar mixed with fresh broccoli, which creates a delightful stuffing that pairs beautifully with juicy chicken. I decided to lightly season the chicken with garlic powder and pepper to enhance its flavor without overpowering the creamy filling.

One detail that I found really helps in keeping the stuffing intact is to make sure not to overfill the chicken breasts. Using toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure them helps the stuffing stay put during cooking. This recipe has become a staple in our household, and I think you’ll find it just as delightful!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy chicken breasts bursting with cheesy flavor
Nutritious broccoli adds a delightful crunch
Simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests

Perfecting the Preparation

When preparing the filling for your Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken, ensure that your broccoli is chopped into very small, evenly-sized pieces. This allows it to blend seamlessly with the creamy cheese mixture and ensures even cooking. If you find chopped broccoli difficult to handle, consider using a food processor. Just pulse it a few times until it reaches a fine consistency, being careful not to puree it.

For the cream cheese, it’s essential to let it soften at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help create a smooth filling that combines beautifully with the shredded cheddar. Mix the cheeses and broccoli thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed. A rubber spatula works well for this task, helping to scrape down the sides of the bowl and avoid lumps.

Stuffing and Cooking Tips

Creating the pocket in the chicken breast is a crucial step. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice through the thickest part of the chicken, creating a flap without cutting all the way through. This pocket will hold your filling, and if you cut too deep, it might spill out during cooking. If you’re unsure, practice with one chicken breast first to gauge how deep you can go without compromising its structure.

When it comes to cooking, preheating your skillet is vital. Use medium heat and give your olive oil a chance to shimmer before adding the chicken. This ensures a nice sear, which adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side; you’ll know it’s ready when the outside has a golden brown color and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Letting it rest for a few minutes after cooking will help the juices redistribute, keeping every bite juicy.

Ingredients

For the stuffed chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup broccoli, finely chopped
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Make sure all ingredients are prepared ahead of time for the best results.

Instructions

Prepare the filling

In a bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Prepare the chicken

With a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing through the thickest part, being careful not to cut all the way through.

Stuff the chicken

Fill each chicken breast pocket with the broccoli cheese mixture. Use toothpicks or twine to secure the openings.

Cook the chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Serve

Remove the toothpicks or twine, slice the chicken, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs before stuffing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make this dish dairy-free or vegan, consider substituting the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese and the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also be a great way to add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, so adjust your expectations when it comes to creaminess.

For those watching their carbs, you can swap the chicken for large portobello mushrooms. Not only will they provide a similar stuffing capacity, but their meaty texture will deliver a satisfying bite. Keep an eye on cooking times, as mushrooms may need slightly less time to cook through compared to chicken.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This dish can easily be prepared in advance. Once you've stuffed the chicken breasts, you can cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for a few hours or even overnight. This not only saves time but can also enhance the flavors as they marinate together. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave, being cautious to avoid overcooking. It’s also possible to freeze the stuffed chicken before cooking; just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. When you're ready to eat, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, just ensure to thaw and chop it finely before using.

→ Can I substitute the cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda.

→ What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad make excellent accompaniments.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.