There’s something so satisfying about a juicy chicken breast stuffed with rich, cheesy goodness. And when that filling includes tender broccoli and a creamy blend of cheddar and cream cheese, you know you’re in for a real treat! This Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for weeknights. It’s packed with flavor, has a crispy golden top, and pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.
If you’re looking for a way to turn plain chicken breasts into a meal that wows, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe delivers everything you love in a comfort meal—cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor—while still feeling like a wholesome, home-cooked dish.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
✔️ Juicy and flavorful – No more dry chicken! The creamy, cheesy filling keeps everything moist and delicious.
✔️ Quick and easy – Perfect for a weeknight meal, with minimal prep and simple ingredients.
✔️ Kid-approved – Even picky eaters will love this cheesy stuffed chicken.
✔️ Customizable – Try different cheeses, add bacon, or spice it up with extra seasonings.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Before we jump into the step-by-step process, let’s go over what you’ll need to make this incredible stuffed chicken.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Choose medium to large-sized breasts for easier stuffing.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – A little seasoning goes a long way.
- Olive oil – Helps give the chicken a beautiful golden finish.
For the Filling:
- 1 cup broccoli florets – Steamed and finely chopped for a tender texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – A sharp cheddar works best for rich, bold flavor.
- ½ cup cream cheese – Softened to create a creamy, dreamy texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a hint of earthy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon paprika – For a little smokiness.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – If you like a bit of heat!
HOW TO MAKE BROCCOLI CHEESE STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process. This dish is incredibly easy to make, and once you master the technique, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat!
STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN
Before anything else, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil and set it aside. This prevents the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
STEP 2: PREPARE THE CHICKEN
Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet (or a rolling pin) to pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and makes it easier to roll up with the filling.
Once flattened, season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
STEP 3: MAKE THE CHEESY BROCCOLI FILLING
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
- Finely chopped, steamed broccoli
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cream cheese
- Minced garlic
- Dried thyme
- Paprika
- Red pepper flakes (if using)
Mix everything together until you have a thick, creamy filling. The combination of sharp cheddar and smooth cream cheese creates the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
STEP 4: STUFF THE CHICKEN
Take a spoonful of the broccoli cheese mixture and place it on one side of each chicken breast. Carefully roll the chicken around the filling, making sure to enclose it completely.
To keep everything secure, use toothpicks or kitchen twine. This helps prevent the filling from spilling out while baking.
STEP 5: PLACE IN BAKING DISH
Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts seam-side down in the greased baking dish. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top to help the chicken develop a beautiful golden color as it bakes.
BAKING AND SERVING THE PERFECT BROCCOLI CHEESE STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST
Now that your chicken is stuffed and ready to go, it’s time to get it in the oven and let the magic happen. This is where all those delicious flavors meld together, creating a juicy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish.
STEP 6: BAKE TO PERFECTION
Place your prepared baking dish with the stuffed chicken breasts into the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
To ensure the chicken is safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into one piece to make sure the juices run clear and the inside is no longer pink.
For an extra golden top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. This helps crisp up the edges while giving the cheese a slight caramelization.
STEP 7: REST AND SERVE
Once the chicken is out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
Before serving, carefully remove the toothpicks or twine. Slice the chicken if desired, or serve each piece whole with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color.
TIPS FOR THE BEST STUFFED CHICKEN
If you want to take this dish to the next level, here are some pro tips to make sure your stuffed chicken comes out perfect every time:
✔️ Pound the chicken evenly – This ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots.
✔️ Secure the filling well – Toothpicks work great, but if you prefer, kitchen twine is an easy alternative.
✔️ Use a meat thermometer – The best way to avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken.
✔️ Broil at the end – This adds a slight crispiness to the edges and enhances flavor.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH BROCCOLI CHEESE STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST
This dish is rich and creamy, so it pairs best with sides that complement its flavors. Here are some great serving ideas:
Vegetable Sides
- Roasted Brussels sprouts – Their slightly crispy edges and nutty flavor balance out the cheesy filling.
- Garlic green beans – A simple side that adds freshness and crunch.
- Honey-glazed carrots – The slight sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
Carb Options
- Mashed potatoes – Creamy and buttery, these are a classic pairing.
- Rice pilaf – A light and flavorful grain that doesn’t overpower the dish.
- Crusty bread – Perfect for scooping up any extra cheesy filling.
Low-Carb Options
- Cauliflower mash – A great alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Zucchini noodles – A fresh, low-carb choice that absorbs flavor well.
- Grilled asparagus – Simple and elegant with a drizzle of olive oil.
VARIATIONS TO TRY
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations to customize this dish:
CHEESE VARIATIONS
- Mozzarella – Creates a gooey, stretchy filling.
- Parmesan – Adds a sharper, nutty flavor.
- Swiss cheese – Pairs beautifully with chicken and broccoli.
PROTEIN BOOST
- Add bacon – Crumble crispy bacon into the filling or wrap the chicken in bacon before baking.
- Mix in shredded chicken – Double up on protein for an extra hearty dish.
SPICE IT UP
- Jalapeños – Dice fresh or pickled jalapeños into the filling for a spicy kick.
- Cajun seasoning – Sprinkle some on the chicken for bold, smoky flavor.
FAQ AND FINAL THOUGHTS ON BROCCOLI CHEESE STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST
You’ve got all the details on how to prepare, bake, and serve this Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast, but you might still have some questions. Below, we’ll go over some frequently asked questions to help make sure your cooking experience is smooth and stress-free.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. HOW DO I KEEP THE FILLING FROM LEAKING OUT?
To prevent the filling from escaping while baking, make sure you roll the chicken tightly and secure it well with toothpicks or kitchen twine. Additionally, placing the chicken seam-side down in the baking dish helps keep everything in place as it bakes.
2. CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. When ready to cook, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven.
3. CAN I COOK THIS IN A SKILLET INSTEAD OF THE OVEN?
Absolutely. To cook on the stovetop, heat a large skillet over medium heat with some olive oil. Sear the stuffed chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, then cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVERS?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
5. CAN I FREEZE THIS STUFFED CHICKEN?
Yes! To freeze, place the unbaked stuffed chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes.
6. WHAT OTHER VEGGIES CAN I ADD TO THE FILLING?
If you’d like to mix up the filling, try adding:
- Chopped spinach for extra greens.
- Diced bell peppers for a sweet crunch.
- Mushrooms for a deeper, savory flavor.
7. CAN I USE CHICKEN THIGHS INSTEAD OF CHICKEN BREASTS?
Yes! While chicken breasts are easier to stuff, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also work. Just be sure to pound them flat and roll them tightly to hold in the filling.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is one of those recipes that never fails to impress. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, it’s always a hit. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and tender broccoli is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
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Best Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Description
This cheesy, creamy, and flavor-packed stuffed chicken breast is the perfect weeknight dinner! Juicy chicken is filled with a rich broccoli and cheese mixture, then baked to perfection. Serve it with a side of roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a complete meal!
Ingredients
✅ For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
✅ For the Filling:
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil and set aside.
2️⃣ Flatten the chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even ½-inch thickness.
3️⃣ Season the chicken: Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
4️⃣ Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, cream cheese, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well mixed.
5️⃣ Stuff the chicken: Spoon the broccoli cheese mixture onto one side of each chicken breast. Carefully roll them up, enclosing the filling. Secure with toothpicks or cooking twine to keep everything in place.
6️⃣ Bake: Place the stuffed chicken seam-side down in the greased baking dish. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with extra salt and pepper if desired.
7️⃣ Cook to perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
8️⃣ Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
🥦 Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a low-carb meal.
🍚 Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa for a heartier dinner.
🔥 Drizzle with a little hot sauce or honey mustard for extra flavor.
This Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is rich, cheesy, and totally satisfying! Enjoy! 🧀🍗✨
