07/15/2026
Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken
🥘 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Broccoli-Cheese Stuffing:
1 cup finely chopped broccoli florets
(raw broccoli works best because it softens as it bakes)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
(this helps bind the filling and makes it extra creamy)Dairy & Eggs
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with oil or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.Baked Goods
2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Lay each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket into the side of each breast.
Be careful not to cut all the way through — the goal is to create a spacious cavity that will hold the stuffing.
Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
These spices add flavor and help the chicken develop a beautiful golden crust.
3️⃣ Make the Cheesy Broccoli Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine:
chopped broccoli
shredded cheddar
softened cream cheese
Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes thick and cohesive.
The broccoli adds freshness and crunch, while the cheddar melts beautifully and the cream cheese gives the filling a smooth, velvety texture.
4️⃣ Stuff the Chicken
Use a spoon to generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the broccoli-cheese mixture.
Pack it tightly so the filling doesn’t spill out.Poultry
If the chicken breasts don’t close fully on their own, secure them with toothpicks — this helps keep the filling inside during cooking.
5️⃣ Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the stuffed chicken breasts.
Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until a rich, golden crust forms.
Searing locks in moisture and adds a delicious depth of flavor before the chicken finishes cooking in the oven.
6️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to your prepared baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
The cheese inside will be melted and bubbly, and the broccoli perfectly tender.
