Masters of kitchen
Looking for a meal that’s comforting, healthy, and ridiculously delicious? Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast might just become your new go-to. It’s exactly what it sounds like—juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy, cheesy broccoli mixture and baked to golden perfection.
This dish has won hearts for being a flavor-packed dinner that’s both elegant enough for guests and easy enough for a Tuesday night. It hits that sweet spot between wholesome and indulgent, offering a satisfying bite without the guilt.
Who will love it? Pretty much everyone—busy families, picky eaters, low-carb eaters, and meal preppers alike. It’s a versatile recipe that fits into many diets, and best of all, it looks far fancier than the effort it takes. Whether you’re trying to sneak more veggies into your family’s dinner or need a dependable meal for your weekly prep, this stuffed chicken breast is the answer.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There’s a reason this recipe has become a staple in so many kitchens. First off, it’s hard to beat the combination of juicy chicken and a melty, savory cheese center with tender broccoli tucked inside. Each bite gives you that satisfying mix of creamy and hearty textures.
Second, it’s one of those dishes that makes veggies feel indulgent. Even broccoli skeptics tend to come around once it’s mixed with cheese and wrapped in flavorful chicken.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights but also impressive enough to serve when guests come over. Add a few simple sides, and you’ve got a balanced meal in under an hour.
Bonus: This dish freezes beautifully and reheats like a dream, making it ideal for batch cooking or meal prepping ahead. Kids love it, adults crave it—it’s the kind of comfort food that checks all the right boxes.
Healthier Than It Sounds? Nutritional Benefits
You might hear cheese-stuffed chicken and think it’s a cheat meal—but this one’s surprisingly balanced. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, helping you feel full and build muscle without added fat.
Broccoli, the humble green veggie, brings plenty of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and even some iron and calcium. It’s one of the easiest vegetables to sneak into meals, and here, it’s softened and flavored perfectly by the cheesy filling.
As for the cheese, you’re in control. You can use lower-fat cheeses to reduce calories or go all-in with sharp cheddar or cream cheese for extra richness. Either way, the portion size is small and easy to customize.
Best of all, this dish is naturally low-carb and can easily fit into keto, diabetic-friendly, and gluten-free diets (just skip the breadcrumbs if using any). Healthy can taste indulgent, and this recipe proves it.
Ingredients You’ll Need + Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy stuffed chicken magic happen:
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Chicken Breasts – Choose boneless, skinless breasts. Medium size is best for stuffing.
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Broccoli – Both fresh and frozen work well. Just make sure it’s chopped finely and cooked before stuffing.
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Cheese – Use a mix! Cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella for stretch, and cream cheese for richness.
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Garlic & Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika add depth.
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Optional Extras – Cooked bacon bits, chopped parsley, or even red pepper flakes for a kick.
Substitution Ideas:
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Dairy-free? Use plant-based cream cheese and a vegan cheddar.
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Low-sodium? Choose reduced-sodium cheese and skip added salt.
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Spicy? Add a little diced jalapeño or hot sauce into the mix.
Bold Tip: Use pre-steamed or microwave-in-bag broccoli to save time. Just pat it dry to avoid a watery filling.
This flexible filling lets you tailor the dish to your flavor preferences or dietary needs without much extra effort.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Making stuffed chicken is easy with the right tools on hand:
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Sharp Knife – For butterflying the chicken cleanly and safely
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Cutting Board – Preferably one with a groove to catch juices
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Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine – To keep the filling securely inside
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Oven-Safe Skillet or Baking Dish – A cast iron pan is great if you’re searing first
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Meat Thermometer – To check that your chicken reaches a safe internal temp of 165°F
You won’t need anything fancy, just a few basics. With these, you’ll breeze through prep and get perfect results.
How to Butterfly and Stuff Chicken Like a Pro
Butterflying chicken breasts might sound tricky, but it’s actually simple with the right method:
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Place your chicken breast flat on a cutting board.
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Hold your knife parallel to the board and slice horizontally, stopping just before cutting all the way through.
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Open the chicken like a book—voilà! You’ve got a pocket for stuffing.
Scoop in a few tablespoons of your cheesy broccoli filling and press lightly to even it out. Avoid overstuffing—it should close easily without spilling.
Secure the edges with toothpicks or a loop of kitchen twine. This helps the filling stay inside during cooking.
Expert Tip: Chill the filling for 10–15 minutes first—this makes stuffing much easier and cleaner.
Once stuffed and secured, your chicken is ready for the skillet or oven.
Cooking Methods: Oven-Baked vs. Pan-Seared + Baked
You’ve got two excellent options for cooking your stuffed chicken:
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Oven-Baked: Easiest method. Simply bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes. Great for batch cooking.
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Pan-Seared + Baked: Adds beautiful color and flavor. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, then transfer to the oven to finish.
Both methods yield juicy chicken with gooey centers. Choose based on your time and preferences.
Pro Tip: Always check with a meat thermometer. Chicken is done at 165°F in the thickest part.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast
Making this dish is easier than it looks! Just follow these steps for tender, flavorful chicken with a melty, veggie-packed center.
Step 1: Prep the Filling
In a bowl, mix your cooked and finely chopped broccoli, your cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, or a combo), minced garlic, and seasoning. You can also add herbs or cooked bacon if you’d like. Chill the mixture while you prepare the chicken—it helps it hold together better.
Step 2: Butterfly the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open the chicken like a book.
Tip: Place a hand on top of the chicken and use a sharp knife to slice evenly and safely.
Step 3: Stuff & Secure
Spoon the broccoli-cheese filling into the center and gently press it flat. Don’t overfill. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to seal the edges and hold the shape.
Step 4: Sear (Optional)
For extra flavor and color, sear the stuffed breasts in an oven-safe skillet with olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the chicken to a 375°F oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 165°F. Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes to get that cheesy, bubbly top.
Pro Tip: Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and helps the filling set.
How to Store Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast & Reheat It Right
Leftovers? You’re in luck—this dish stores and reheats beautifully.
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Store: Place in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
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Freeze: You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing raw, assemble and wrap tightly in plastic and foil. If already baked, let it cool, then freeze.
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Reheat: Thaw overnight, then warm in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes or until hot throughout. Avoid microwaving unless you’re short on time.
Freezer Tip: Wrap individual stuffed chicken breasts in foil for easy grab-and-go meal prep.
Tasty Variations of Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Make this recipe your own by trying one of these tasty twists:
Bacon Ranch Broccoli Cheese
Add crispy chopped bacon and a sprinkle of ranch seasoning to the filling for a savory twist.
Buffalo Broccoli Chicken
Mix buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles into the filling for spicy flavor lovers.
Mushroom Swiss Stuffed Chicken
Swap out the broccoli for sautéed mushrooms and use Swiss cheese for an earthy, comforting version.
Spinach-Artichoke Style
Use chopped spinach, garlic, and cream cheese (plus a little parmesan) for a spinach dip-inspired filling.
These variations keep the core technique the same but give you new flavor profiles every time you cook.
Best Sides for Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Breast Dinners
This dish pairs beautifully with so many sides. Choose based on your mood or dietary needs:
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Comfort Food Sides: Roasted baby potatoes, buttery mashed potatoes, or wild rice
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Veggie-Packed Choices: Garlic green beans, roasted carrots, or a vibrant garden salad
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Keto/Low-Carb Options: Cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, or sautéed spinach
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Quick & Easy: Dinner rolls, frozen veggie medley, or even mac & cheese for the kids
Pro Tip: For a balanced plate, aim for one veggie and one starch or grain-based side. It makes the meal feel complete without overshadowing the star.
Avoid Mistakes with Broccoli Stuffed Chicken: Pro Tips
Even the best cooks run into snags—here’s how to fix common issues:
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Dry Chicken? Be sure not to overbake! Use a meat thermometer and pull at 165°F.
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Filling Overflow? You may have overstuffed. Try slightly less filling or secure better with toothpicks.
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Tough Chicken? Try a quick brine or marinate in buttermilk or lemon juice before stuffing to tenderize.
Small tweaks can make a big difference in results. Don’t worry—each time you make it, it gets easier and better.
Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken FAQs
How do you keep stuffed chicken breast from drying out?
Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken from the oven right at 165°F. Resting it after baking helps keep it juicy. Adding a little cream cheese or olive oil to the filling also adds moisture.
Can you use frozen broccoli for stuffed chicken?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. Pat it dry to avoid extra moisture that could make the filling runny.
How do you know when stuffed chicken is done?
Check with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken—not the filling. It should read 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into it and check for clear juices and no pink inside.
What cheese goes best with broccoli?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but mozzarella, Swiss, or even gouda pair beautifully. Feel free to mix and match for flavor and texture.
Can I air fry cheesy broccoli stuffed chicken breast?
Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use toothpicks to keep filling in place and always check the internal temp.
Final Thoughts on Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast is the kind of dish that checks all the boxes—easy, hearty, nutritious, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping lunches for the week, or hosting a dinner guest, it never fails to impress.
Try one of the flavor twists or stick with the classic—you can’t go wrong. And if you make it, don’t forget to snap a pic and share your spin!
Have a tip or question? Drop it in the comments. Your version might inspire the next great variation!
Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast
Equipment
- Sharp knife (for butterflying)
- Cutting board
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
- Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked broccoli finely chopped (fresh or frozen, drained)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 clove garlic minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika optional, for color
- 1 tbsp olive oil for searing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix broccoli, cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, garlic, and spices until combined. Chill filling briefly.
- Butterfly chicken breasts by slicing horizontally to create a pocket, without cutting through.
- Stuff each breast with 2–3 tablespoons of filling. Secure edges with toothpicks.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear stuffed chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Transfer skillet to oven or place chicken in a baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- (Optional) Broil for 2–3 minutes for bubbly cheese on top.
- Rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks and enjoy!
Notes
- Use pre-steamed or microwave broccoli to save time. Be sure to pat it dry.
- Add chopped bacon, spinach, or ranch seasoning for flavor variations.
- Toothpicks help hold everything together—just don’t forget to remove them before serving!
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2–3 months.
Nutrition
