There’s something incredibly comforting about a perfectly baked chicken breast — juicy, golden on the outside, and tender all the way through. But when you take that classic and fill it with creamy cheese and tender broccoli? You’ve got a dish that feels a little fancy, a little indulgent, and totally weeknight-worthy.

This Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is one of those meals that’s easy enough for a Tuesday night, but impressive enough to serve to guests. It’s a go-to in my kitchen when I want something hearty and wholesome that doesn’t take forever to make. And the best part? It uses simple ingredients that most of us already have in our fridge or pantry.

Stuffed chicken breast recipes have been around for generations — think of them like the grown-up cousin of the casserole. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a chilly night in, dishes like this bring that warm, home-cooked feeling to the table. My mom used to make something similar, but with spinach and ricotta, and I’ve put my own twist on it by using fresh broccoli and melty cheeses for that irresistible pull-apart moment.

This dish is especially perfect when the weather cools down — when we’re craving comfort, but still want to sneak in some greens. It’s kid-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and honestly, just plain delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Creamy and comforting: The melty cheese and tender chicken are just the right combo.
• Sneaky healthy: It’s packed with broccoli, but no one will complain about eating their veggies.
• Meal prep magic: Make a few at once and reheat them during the week.
• Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy here — just good, honest flavors.
• Low-carb friendly: Great for those watching their carb intake but still wanting something hearty.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup finely chopped fresh broccoli
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

HOW TO MAKE BROCCOLI CHEESE STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Preheat and prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. You’ll want something that holds the chicken snugly so the cheesy goodness doesn’t escape.

Step 2: Make the filling
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it well until everything is evenly combined. The cream cheese acts like the glue that holds the filling together.

Step 3: Cut a pocket into each chicken breast
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a horizontal pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be careful not to slice all the way through — you’re creating a little pocket, not two halves.

Here’s a tip: If your chicken breasts are super thick, you might want to gently pound them out to an even thickness first. It helps them cook more evenly.

Step 4: Stuff the chicken
Spoon the broccoli-cheese mixture evenly into each pocket. It’s okay if it’s heaping a little — the more cheesy filling, the better! Secure the opening with toothpicks if you like, just to keep everything tucked inside during baking.

Step 5: Season and sear
Rub each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then sprinkle both sides with paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and give the chicken a quick sear on each side — about 2 minutes per side. This adds a golden crust and locks in all the flavor.

Step 6: Bake to perfection
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C). If any cheese oozes out — don’t worry. That’s the good stuff.

Step 7: Rest and serve
Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside. Serve it up with some roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad on the side.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Use fresh broccoli: It gives the best texture and flavor. You can lightly steam it beforehand if you prefer softer broccoli.
• Add a bit of spice: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the filling adds a nice kick.
• Keep the filling inside: Toothpicks or kitchen twine can help if your chicken breast won’t stay closed.
• Don’t skip the sear: It locks in flavor and gives a beautiful color to the chicken before baking.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb, Gluten-Free

NOTES:

If you’re prepping ahead, you can stuff the chicken and keep it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just bring it to room temp for about 20 minutes before putting it in the oven.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Approximate per serving)
Calories: 350
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it and pat it dry well before mixing it into the filling. Too much moisture can make the filling watery.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Pop it into a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use an air fryer or microwave, but the oven helps keep the outside crispy.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the chicken the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready.

What cheeses work best?
Cheddar adds sharpness, but you can also try Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a gooier filling.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them — just wrap each piece tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Chicken Alfredo Casserole
• Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
• Cheesy Beef Lombardi Casserole – A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Delight!
• Baked Eggs Florentine: A Comforting Classic with a Twist

CONCLUSION

This Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table — with its cheesy filling, juicy chicken, and comforting flavors, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just craving something cozy, this dish hits all the right notes.

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