Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breasts are seared chicken breasts seasoned and stuffed with delicious broccoli and cheese filling and baked in the oven. They make a satisfying and delicious dinner the whole family will love!

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Get excited for a new way to spruce up boring chicken with these broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breasts. Broccoli and cheddar cheese is such a beloved combination, and they pair so well with chicken, too.

Seasoned chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy and cheesy filling consisting of cream cheese, broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh garlic and seasonings. The chicken is flavorful and juicy and the filling adds so much cheesy goodness, you’re going to love it!

The chicken breasts are seared in a hot pan to lock in moisture, then stuffed with the filling to avoid it all oozing out while sautéing. This cooking method was inspired by one of my favorite food bloggers, Caitlin over at Kalefornia Kravings.

These broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breasts are great for weeknight dinners and dinner parties alike, as this chicken impresses in both flavor and appearance, but is easy to make. Plus, the whole family will enjoy!

Ingredients

Chicken breasts: use boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are all around the same size (my recomendation is around 8 ounces) to ensure even cooking.
Broccoli: I recommend fresh broccoli for this recipe, and it should be cut into very small florets for easier stuffing.
Cheddar cheese: use a block of extra sharp cheddar that you grate yourself for the best taste and texture.
Cream cheese: cream cheese adds creaminess and helps bind the filling ingredients together.
Plain Greek yogurt: plain Greek yogurt makes the filling more creamy and adds protein.
Seasoning: fresh garlic, thyme, salt and pepper.

Equipment

Cutting board and knife
Large cast iron or oven safe pan
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater
Meat thermometer

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, add softened cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, finely chopped broccoli, plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, thyme and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine and set aside.

Lay chicken breast flat on a cutting board and hold your knife so it is parallel to the cutting board. Cut a slit about 3/4 of the way through the chicken breast lengthwise.

Season chicken breasts on both sides with the remaining salt and black pepper. Heat avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet or oven safe pan over medium heat.

Add chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them. Flip each chicken breast, and sear them for an additional 4-5 minutes (note: they will not be cooked all the way through, they will finish cooking in the oven).

Turn off the heat and remove the chicken from the pan. Allow the chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes, until they are cool enough to handle.

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Divide the filling mixture into four equal amounts. Stuff each chicken breast with the filling, ensuring to spread it out evenly.

Place stuffed chicken breasts back into the cast iron pan. Bake chicken for 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the chicken reads 165°F.

What to Serve with Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

These broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breasts are a delicious, filling and protein packed main for any meal. Add a starch and vegetable for a well-rounded balanced meal. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Caprese Pasta Salad
Summer Shrimp and Corn Orzo Salad
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Rice
Broccoli
Asparagus

Tips

• Ensure your cream cheese has come to room temperature before combining your stuffing ingredients.
• I’ve found the easiest way to stuff the chicken breast with the broccoli and cheese filling is to use your hands. Divide the filling into four equal amounts, shape the filling into a flat oblong disc and stuff into the slit in the chicken breast.
• If you have some extra filling, you can spread it onto the tops of your chicken breasts.
• The best way to ensure you do not under or overcook your chicken is by using a meat thermometer. Stick it into the thickest part of the chicken breast and ensure it reads 165°F.

FAQ

Why sear the chicken before stuffing and baking?

Searing the chicken breasts in a hot pan before baking them in the oven ensures you get a beautiful golden crust on the outside of your chicken, as well as locking in all the moisture of the chicken.

Searing the chicken breasts before stuffing prevents a lot of mess and lost stuffing oozing out of the chicken!

What if I don’t have an oven safe pan?

No worries! Sear your chicken in a regular pan, then after stuffing, transfer it to a large baking dish to finish cooking in the oven.

Is broccoli cheese stuffed chicken healthy?

Broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken is very high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those on low carb or keto diets.

How to reheat leftover broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken?

The best way to reheat stuffed chicken breasts is in the oven. Place stuffed chicken in a baking dish with a little water or chicken broth (to prevent the chicken from drying out).

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the chicken until it and the filling are heated through, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Substitutions

Cheddar cheese: good cheddar cheese substitutes include gouda, Monterey jack and Colby cheese.
Cream cheese: for a lower fat content, use neufchâtel cheese, which has 1/3 the fat of regular cream cheese, and usually found next to cream cheese in the grocery store.
Greek yogurt: feel free to use sour cream in place of plain Greek yogurt.

More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

• Tuscan Stuffed Chicken
• Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo
• Cilantro Lime Chicken
• Air Fryer Caprese Chicken
• Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

If you make this Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken, be sure to leave a comment below and rate this recipe! If you snap a pic, be sure to tag me on Instagram @thechowdown! I love seeing your creations!