Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken – This Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken? It’s a total comfort food winner! Imagine juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy, cheesy broccoli mix, then baked to golden perfection. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy and feels way fancier than your typical weeknight dinner. Perfect for when you want to impress your family or just treat yourself to something special.
The first time I made this, I had no clue what to expect—stuffed chicken sounded a little ambitious. But oh wow, the look on my husband’s face after the first bite? Priceless. And our kid? Cleaned the plate without a second thought. There’s just something about that creamy, cheesy filling paired with perfectly seasoned chicken that feels like a restaurant treat but with that cozy, homemade touch. Now it’s on regular rotation, especially when we want something both indulgent and easy.
What makes this Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken truly special?
This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, and it’s so simple! You get perfectly seasoned chicken on the outside and this rich, savory broccoli-cheese filling inside. And because it’s baked, it’s hands-off once it’s in the oven, so you can kick back and relax. Who wouldn’t love that? Plus, it’s versatile: serve it with mashed potatoes, over rice, or even just a side salad for a low-carb option.
What You Need To Make This Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Recipe?
Chicken breasts: Go for large ones if you can; they’re easier to stuff, and you get more of that delicious filling inside! Slice a deep pocket in each breast, but don’t cut all the way through, or the filling will spill out.
Broccoli: Chop it pretty small. Smaller pieces cook more evenly, and you won’t get any huge chunks in each bite. Frozen works if you don’t have fresh—just make sure it’s thawed and drained.
Cheddar cheese: I’d recommend sharp cheddar here. It gives that rich, cheesy flavor without getting lost in the filling. If you’re in a pinch, feel free to sub in a different melty cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
Cream cheese: This is what makes the filling so creamy and rich! Make sure it’s softened before you start mixing, or you’ll end up with lumps.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the filling that little punch of flavor. Just one clove minced up will do, but if you love garlic, feel free to add a bit more.
Spices (salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika): These are the stars of the show for seasoning the chicken itself. They add flavor without overpowering the cheesy filling. The paprika adds a nice bit of color too!
Olive oil: You’ll need this to coat the chicken and help the seasoning stick. It also gives the chicken a nice sear when you brown it before baking.
Steps To Make Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. We’re getting it nice and warm for a golden bake.
Season the chicken: Grab a small bowl and mix together the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil first, then sprinkle on the seasoning mix, coating each piece well. Set it aside for now on a baking dish or sheet.
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Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, sour cream, cream cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s blended into a creamy, cheesy filling.
Stuff the chicken: Take each chicken breast and cut a deep slit down the middle, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. Spoon the broccoli-cheese filling into each pocket, piling it high if needed—you want each one generously stuffed.
Sear the chicken: In an oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for about 2 minutes on each side, just to get a nice golden-brown crust.
Bake: Slide the skillet into the preheated oven (or transfer the chicken to a baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe). Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
Serve and enjoy: Let it cool for a minute or two, then dig in!
Tip:
Here’s a tip for perfecting your Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken: don’t skimp on that sear before baking! Searing the chicken on the stovetop first gives you that beautiful, golden-brown crust and locks in extra flavor. Make sure the skillet is hot before you place the chicken in it, and use just enough oil to coat the bottom. When you put the chicken in, let it sit for a couple of minutes without moving it so it can brown evenly. After you flip each breast, let the other side sear just as well. Once you’ve got that crust, pop the whole skillet in the oven, and let the baking finish the job. Trust me, that extra step makes a difference, giving you juicy, flavorful chicken with a slight crispy edge that’s irresistible.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen broccoli for the filling?
Yes! If frozen broccoli is what you have on hand, it works just fine. Just make sure to thaw it fully and drain out any extra moisture so your filling doesn’t get watery.
What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is done?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe eating. If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into one breast and check if the juices run clear—if they do, you’re good to go!
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the chicken with the filling and keep it covered in the fridge for up to a day in advance. When it’s time to cook, just take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temp for about 20 minutes before baking. This makes it an ideal option for busy nights!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil divided
For the Filling
- 1 1/2 c broccoli chopped small
- 1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 package 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s nice and warm when the chicken is ready to go. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle on your seasoning blend, making sure each piece is well-coated. Place the chicken on a baking sheet or in a baking dish and set it aside for now.
- Next, it’s time for the filling! In a medium bowl, combine all the filling ingredients and give it a good mix. Then, carefully cut a deep slit in each chicken breast to create a pocket, but don’t cut all the way through! Spoon the filling into each pocket, making sure it’s packed nicely, and add a little extra on top if you’d like.
- Now, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for about 2 minutes per side until they’re beautifully browned. If your skillet can go in the oven, pop it in; if not, transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F. Then, enjoy that cheesy, savory goodness!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
