Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast: The Ultimate 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner
By Jason Griffith
Introduction
If you’re anything like me, you are constantly on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that is both deeply satisfying and doesn’t require an hour of prep and cleanup. Enter the Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast. This recipe is an absolute game-changer. It takes simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and transforms them into a restaurant-quality meal.
The magic here is in the filling: a creamy, savory blend of softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and perfectly chopped, slightly crunchy broccoli, all kissed with a hint of garlic. Stuffing that irresistible mixture inside a perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken breast is the secret to a moist and flavorful chicken dinner every single time. It’s comfort food elegance, delivered in under an hour.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve cooked a lot of chicken in my life, and frankly, plain chicken breast can be a little… boring. But stuffing it? That’s where the culinary party starts. I love this recipe for a few key reasons:
- It’s a complete meal: The cheese and broccoli filling acts as its own side dish, meaning you don’t need much else to make a full plate.
- The Texture Contrast: You get a crispy, golden-brown sear on the outside of the chicken, protecting an incredibly juicy, tender interior that oozes with the creamy, savory filling. It is truly a bite of heaven.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This is the recipe I pull out when I want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. It looks and tastes much fancier than the effort involved. Plus, who doesn’t love broccoli and cheese? It’s a classic pairing for a reason.
Ingredients
Here is everything you’ll need to make this incredible stuffed chicken:
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 4 Tbsp of olive oil (divided)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
Filling
- 2 cups of chopped broccoli (cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 ounces of softened cream cheese
- 1 clove of minced garlic
- A dash of salt and pepper
Swaps and Notes
- Cheese: I love the tang of sharp cheddar, but you can easily swap it out for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked gouda for a deeper flavor.
- Broccoli Prep: Be sure to chop the broccoli into very small pieces. This ensures it softens properly during baking and makes the chicken easier to stuff. You can use frozen broccoli, just make sure to thaw it and pat it completely dry before mixing.
- Spices: The seasoning blend is very flexible. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the rub. A dash of dried Italian herbs would also be a great addition.
- Add-ins: For an even more indulgent filling, feel free to add 1/4 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon or finely chopped spinach (make sure the spinach is squeezed very dry).
The Ultimate Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Recipe Steps
Follow these simple steps for a perfect stuffed chicken breast every time:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375∘F.
- Season the Chicken: In a small dish, mix together the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Drizzle the olive oil (2 Tbsp) over the chicken breasts and rub the seasoning mixture on the chicken to coat it entirely.
- Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the filling ingredients: chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
- Stuff the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a wide pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the other side—you want a deep pocket. Stuff each chicken breast with an equal portion of the filling mixture.
- Sear for Color: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is perfect) over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are nicely browned, but not fully cooked. Pro-Tip: You may need to do this in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Bake to Perfection: Place all 4 chicken breasts in the skillet and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165∘F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overstuff: While tempting, resist the urge to pack in too much filling. If the filling spills out too much, it can dry out. Aim for a generous but manageable amount. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if needed, but remove them before serving!
- The Sear is Key: The pre-bake sear is essential. It creates a beautiful golden crust that locks in moisture and adds a huge layer of flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Temperature Matters: The only way to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken is to use a meat thermometer. 165∘F is the magic number.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This stuffed chicken breast is rich and savory, so it pairs beautifully with light, fresh, or starchy sides.
- Classic Starch: Serve it over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or alongside my recipe for a great classic spaghetti recipe with homemade sauce.
- Fresh Greens: A simple, crisp Caesar salad or a light, vinegary arugula salad cuts through the richness of the cheese nicely.
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, green beans, or even some quick browned mushrooms are fantastic.
- Appetizer Pairing: If you’re building a full menu, consider starting with my popular easy cheesy chicken sliders with marinara garlic butter.
- Drinks: A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light, amber ale works well. For a non-alcoholic option, this blueberry lemonade would be a refreshing pairing.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: ~60g
- Fat: ~27g
- Carbohydrates: ~5g
- Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and portion size. It may vary based on exact brands and measurements.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day!
- Storage: Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it loosely with foil, and warm it in a 350∘Foven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving is an option, but the oven will keep the chicken juicier.
- Leftover Idea: Slice the cold leftovers and serve them on a sandwich or chop them up and toss them into a salad for a quick protein boost.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved this simple, cheesy chicken dish, you’ll definitely want to try some of my other favorite hearty meals and treats:
- For another easy chicken dinner, try my These Chicken Enchiladas are my go-to for cozy crowd-pleasing dinners.
- If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a kick, you can’t go wrong with my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is my favorite bowl of Southern comfort.
- And for a perfect dessert to follow up this savory meal, check out This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is my favorite way to use up overripe bananas.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to how easy it is to elevate your weeknight cooking. It delivers huge flavor, a stunning presentation, and a satisfying, wholesome dinner that the whole family will adore. Give it a try this week, and I guarantee it will become a new staple in your rotation.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out and what you paired it with. Happy cooking!
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