Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

I just finished making this incredible Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe, and I have to tell you – it’s absolutely amazing! When I first tried this recipe, I wasn’t sure how well the flavors would blend together, but the combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fresh broccoli creates the perfect comfort food dinner.

I love how the cheese gets all melty inside while the chicken stays incredibly juicy and flavorful. The best part is how simple it is to make. Even on busy weeknights, I can have this gorgeous, restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need for Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Here’s everything you need to create this delicious stuffed chicken breast:

For the Chicken:

• 3 large chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each) – Choose thick, plump breasts for the best stuffing pocket
• 1 teaspoon salt – I prefer sea salt for better flavor distribution
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground works best for maximum flavor
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided – Don’t substitute fresh garlic here as it won’t distribute evenly
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika – Adds beautiful color and subtle smoky flavor
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Use extra virgin for the best taste

For the Stuffing:

• 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped – Fresh is essential here; frozen will release too much water
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced – Yellow or orange peppers work great too for color variation
• 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, freshly grated – Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly due to anti-caking agents
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise – This acts as a binding agent and adds creaminess; Greek yogurt is a healthier substitute

Note: This recipe serves 6 people, assuming each person eats half a chicken breast, as these are large portions.

Variations

Transform this recipe to suit different dietary needs and taste preferences:

Dairy-Free Options:

• Replace cheddar cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew-based or coconut cheese
• Substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo or mashed avocado for binding

Lower-Carb Variations:

• Add cream cheese instead of mayo for extra richness without carbs
• Include chopped spinach or kale for added nutrients and fiber

Flavor Enhancers:

• Mix in crispy bacon bits for a smoky crunch
• Add sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flair
• Include fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for aromatic depth
• Sprinkle in some ranch seasoning powder for extra flavor punch

Cooking Time

Here’s the time breakdown for this recipe:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Essential tools to make this recipe successfully:

• Cast iron skillet – Provides even heat distribution and goes from stovetop to oven seamlessly
• Sharp knife – Crucial for creating clean pockets in the chicken without cutting through completely
• Cutting board – Large enough to safely handle the chicken and vegetables
• Small mixing bowl – For combining the stuffing ingredients thoroughly
• Meat thermometer – Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F
• Toothpicks – Secures the stuffing inside the chicken pockets during cooking
• Microwave-safe dish – For quickly steaming the broccoli before mixing

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast?

Creating this delicious stuffed chicken is easier than you might think. The key is preparing each component properly and following the cooking sequence for perfectly juicy results. Let me walk you through each step to ensure your success.

Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F so it’s ready when you need it. Pat each chicken breast completely dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the garlic powder. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket through the middle of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through – you want to create a pocket that opens like a book. The opening should be about 3-4 inches wide to accommodate the stuffing properly.

Make the Stuffing

Place the chopped broccoli in a microwave-safe dish with 2 tablespoons of water, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for 1 minute to soften slightly. Drain any excess water thoroughly, as too much moisture will make the stuffing soggy. In a small bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, diced bell pepper, grated cheese, mayonnaise, remaining garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until the cheese and mayo coat all the vegetables evenly.

Stuff and Secure the Chicken

Divide the broccoli-cheese mixture evenly among the three chicken breasts, spooning it into the pockets you created. Don’t overstuff – you want the filling to stay inside during cooking. Gently press the edges of the chicken together and secure with 2-3 toothpicks per breast, making sure they go all the way through to keep everything sealed. The toothpicks should be placed strategically to prevent any filling from escaping during the searing process.

Sear and Bake

Heat olive oil in your cast iron skillet over medium heat until it shimmers slightly. Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the hot oil and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown – this step locks in juices and creates beautiful color. Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and transfer to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer in the thickest part.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Based on my experience making this recipe multiple times, here are my best tips for success:

• I always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking – This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful
• I’ve found that pounding the chicken slightly helps – Use a meat mallet to gently flatten thick areas, making it easier to create even pockets
• I recommend making extra filling – There’s always someone who wants more of that delicious broccoli-cheese mixture on the side
• I use a sharp paring knife instead of a large chef’s knife – It gives me better control when creating the pockets without accidentally cutting through
• I’ve learned to check multiple spots with the thermometer – The stuffing can create cold spots, so I check near the filling and in the thickest part of the meat
• I always remove toothpicks before serving – I count them going in and make sure I get the same number out to avoid any accidents

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast?

This elegant dish deserves equally impressive presentation and complementary sides. Slice each chicken breast on the diagonal to show off the colorful stuffing inside, fanning the pieces on individual plates for a restaurant-quality look. The vibrant green and red filling creates a beautiful contrast against the golden chicken exterior.

For side dishes, I love pairing this with garlic mashed potatoes or creamy rice pilaf to soak up any delicious pan juices. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts complement the flavors perfectly while adding more color to the plate. A simple mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (half chicken breast):

• Calories: 410 – A satisfying, protein-rich meal that fits well into most diet plans
• Protein: 44g – Excellent source of lean protein for muscle maintenance and satiety
• Carbohydrates: 4g – Very low carb content makes this keto-friendly
• Fat: 24g – Healthy fats from olive oil and cheese provide sustained energy

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe offers great flexibility for meal planning and preparation.

Make Ahead: You can stuff the chicken breasts up to 4 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Just remove from the fridge 15 minutes before cooking to take the chill off.

Refrigerator Storage: Leftover cooked chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The stuffed chicken maintains its texture and flavor well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Freezing: These stuffed chicken breasts freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in freezer bags. I recommend freezing them before cooking for best results, then thaw completely in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe.

Reheating: To reheat leftovers, place in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave on 70% power to prevent the chicken from becoming tough. Cover with a damp paper towel when microwaving to maintain moisture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast checks all the boxes for an outstanding dinner recipe.

• It’s incredibly versatile and customizable – You can easily swap out vegetables, try different cheeses, or add your favorite seasonings to make it your own. The basic technique works with countless flavor combinations, so you’ll never get bored.
• Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions – While it looks fancy enough for company, the simple preparation and quick cooking time make it totally doable for busy families. I’ve served this to dinner guests who were amazed at how restaurant-quality it looked.
• Kid-friendly way to sneak in vegetables – Even picky eaters love the melted cheese, and the mild flavors of broccoli and bell pepper blend seamlessly with the chicken. It’s a great way to get more veggies into your family’s diet without complaints.
• Naturally low-carb and protein-packed – With only 4 grams of carbs and 44 grams of protein per serving, this recipe fits perfectly into keto, low-carb, or high-protein eating plans. You’ll feel satisfied without any heavy, bloated feeling afterward.
• One-pan convenience with minimal cleanup – Using a cast iron skillet that goes from stovetop to oven means fewer dishes to wash. The entire main course cooks in one pan, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pots.