If you’re searching for a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that practically guarantees a smiling table, look no further than Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken. Imagine juicy chicken breasts filled to the brim with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, a touch of cream cheese, and the uplifting fragrance of garlic and paprika. This dish is more than just a crowd-pleaser — it’s quick enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken brings a little magic to your kitchen with its oozy, melty center and gorgeous golden finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken is refreshingly simple, but every single item plays a critical role in building flavor and texture. A handful of kitchen staples transform plain chicken into a cheesy, colorful masterpiece that’s impossible to resist.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect canvas for stuffing and keep things juicy inside.
- Broccoli: Finely chopped and steamed, broccoli adds fresh color and a tender crunch that balances the richness of the cheeses.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: For that bold, tangy, melty factor you want in every bite; don’t skimp on quality.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the filling extra creamy and irresistible — just a couple of tablespoons does the trick.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the stuffing with mouthwatering savoriness.
- Onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness and an extra layer of depth.
- Paprika: Sprinkled on the outside, paprika brings a hint of warmth and gorgeous color.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and filling perfectly, so every mouthful pops.
- Black pepper: Just enough to round out the flavors with a subtle kick.
- Olive oil: Locks in moisture and helps create a golden, slightly crisp finish when searing the chicken.
- Toothpicks: A simple tool to keep your masterpiece intact while it bakes — just don’t forget to remove them before serving!
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Broccoli Filling
Start by mixing the heart of this recipe — the cheesy broccoli stuffing. In a small bowl, combine your chopped, steamed broccoli with shredded cheddar, cream cheese, minced garlic, a dash of onion powder, and just a pinch of salt and pepper. This vibrant mixture comes together in seconds but tastes like you’ve put hours into it. Be sure to break up any big clumps so every bite is flecked with that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Create Chicken Pockets
With a sharp knife, gently slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Don’t cut all the way through; you just want a deep cavity to hold the filling. This pocket is the secret to getting all that stuffing inside without any melty cheese escaping while it cooks.
Step 3: Fill and Secure
Spoon a generous amount of your broccoli-cheddar mixture into each pocket, pressing it in so there’s plenty in every chicken breast. Use toothpicks to secure the opening — this keeps all your delicious filling tucked safely inside as the chicken cooks.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Rub the outsides of the chicken breasts with olive oil, giving them that beautiful shine and helping them crisp up as they sear. Sprinkle on the paprika, salt, and pepper evenly so every side gets those warm, peppery flavors and vibrant color.
Step 5: Sear for Flavor
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. This step locks in all the juices and makes the outside beautifully caramelized — the kind of finish that begs you to dive in.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Once golden all over, transfer the skillet straight to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juicy, with the cheesy center bubbling away. You’ll know it’s done when juices run clear and a kitchen thermometer reads 165°F.
Step 7: Serve and Savor
Take the chicken out, let it rest a few minutes (trust me, it’s worth it), then carefully remove those toothpicks. Serve up your Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken while it’s hot and gooey for maximum comfort-food bliss.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives will add a pop of color and a subtle herbal freshness that’s perfect for balancing all that cheesy richness. For a little zing, a squeeze of lemon over the top tastes amazing and really wakes up the flavors.
Side Dishes
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken is incredible alongside creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a crisp green salad. I also love it with roasted vegetables or garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of cheesy sauce. These sides turn the meal into pure comfort on a plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the stuffed chicken breasts on the diagonal and fan out the pieces on a platter to show off that vibrant, cheesy filling. If you’re feeling extra-fancy, drizzle any pan juices over the top and scatter with extra cheddar or a dusting of smoked paprika for a little wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the chicken cool first so you don’t trap steam and make it soggy. It reheats beautifully, so you can actually look forward to lunch tomorrow!
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly! Simply wrap each cooled, cooked chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken in a 325°F oven, covered with foil to keep in the moisture, for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. For a quick lunch fix, you can microwave slices in 30-second bursts until warm, though the oven keeps the chicken a little juicier and the cheese less rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh broccoli on hand, thawed and drained frozen broccoli works well. Just make sure to squeeze out extra moisture for the best, non-soggy stuffing.
What’s the best way to keep the filling from leaking out?
Securing the opening firmly with toothpicks is key, and making sure your chicken pockets aren’t too shallow helps, too. If some cheese escapes, it’ll crisp up and be delicious anyway!
Can I make Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts a day ahead and keep them in the fridge covered tightly. When dinner time rolls around, just proceed with searing and baking as directed.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer! The chicken is fully cooked when the thickest part reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. This ensures it’s both safe and perfectly juicy.
What other cheeses can I use?
If you’d like to switch things up, try mixing in some Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra gooeyness, or a little Parmesan for sharpness. It’s a great way to personalize your Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken, you’ll find yourself craving its creamy, cheesy center and golden, savory chicken again and again. It’s pure comfort with a veggie twist! Give it a go, share it with people you love, and enjoy how quickly this dish disappears from your table.
Print
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and satisfying main course that combines juicy chicken breasts with a flavorful broccoli and cheddar cheese filling. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Filling:
- 1 cup finely chopped broccoli (steamed)
- 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Additional:
- toothpicks for securing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix together the broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the chicken: Slice a pocket into each chicken breast, fill with the broccoli-cheddar mixture, and secure with toothpicks.
- Season and sear: Rub the chicken with olive oil, season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear in a skillet until golden.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
- You can use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or salad.
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