Cheesy Broccoli-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Description

Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy mixture of broccoli, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese, then baked until tender and golden. This dish combines the wholesome goodness of vegetables with the rich, satisfying flavor of melted cheese for a family-friendly dinner that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup broccoli florets (steamed & chopped)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 4 oz (½ cup) cream cheese, softened

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)

Instructions

1. Prep Chicken – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast without slicing all the way through.

2. Make Filling – In a bowl, mix broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. Stuff & Seal – Spoon the mixture into each chicken pocket, securing with toothpicks if necessary.

4. Season – Rub chicken with olive oil, sprinkle paprika, and a bit more salt & pepper over the outside.

5. Bake – Place on a lightly greased baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Serve – Remove toothpicks, slice, and enjoy hot with a side salad, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Make sure broccoli is cooked and drained well before mixing, to avoid watery filling.

• If chicken breasts are thick, you can pound them thinner before stuffing for more even cooking.

• Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.

Tips

• Add a little Parmesan cheese for extra flavor depth.

• For a crispier crust, sear chicken in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side before baking.

• Swap broccoli with spinach, asparagus, or zucchini for variety.

• For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice.

Servings

• Yield: 4 servings

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast

Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)

• Calories: 380

• Protein: 39g

• Fat: 21g

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

• Sodium: 420mg

Benefits

• High in protein – supports muscle repair and satiety.

• Rich in vitamins – broccoli adds Vitamin C, K, and folate.

• Low-carb friendly – great for keto or low-carb diets.

• Family-friendly – mild flavors with cheesy comfort appeal.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can stuff the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready.

Q: Can I freeze stuffed chicken breasts?
A: Yes, assemble but don’t bake, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Q: How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
A: Don’t overstuff and use toothpicks to secure the opening.

Q: Can I cook this in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely. Cook at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temp hits 165°F.