Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Craving a dinner that’s both easy and impressive?
This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is the ultimate weeknight winner!
With juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling of sharp cheddar and fresh broccoli, this dish comes together in just 35 minutes.
It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor — the kind of meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this cheesy, delicious stuffed chicken!
For the Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor.
- Oregano – Adds a touch of earthy, Mediterranean flavor.
- Paprika – For a hint of smokiness and color.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- Black Pepper – A classic seasoning to bring out the chicken’s taste.
- Olive Oil – For searing the chicken to a golden perfection.
For the Filling
- Broccoli Florets – Fresh, chopped broccoli provides crunch and nutrition.
- Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar gives a rich, creamy filling.
- Sour Cream – Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the filling.
- Garlic Powder – A subtle garlic flavor to enhance the filling.
- Mustard Powder – Gives the filling a gentle kick and depth.
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 ½ Ib boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 breasts)
- 1 ½ tsp oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the filling:
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp mustard powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Cut a horizontal slit in the thickest part of each breast to create a pocket, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through.
- Rub the chicken breasts with the oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper, making sure both sides are coated evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and mustard powder.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli and cheese mixture. Use toothpicks to close the pockets.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry and let it reach room temperature before cooking. This helps prevent the chicken from steaming and ensures even cooking.
- When cutting the chicken, only slice enough to form a pocket without cutting all the way through to avoid the filling spilling out.
- For easy stovetop-to-oven cooking, use a cast-iron skillet or another oven-safe skillet. If you don’t have one, transfer the chicken to an oven-safe dish after searing it.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness without cutting into the chicken. The ideal temperature for fully cooked chicken is 165°F.
- Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Sure thing! If you’re short on fresh broccoli, frozen broccoli works just fine. Just be sure to thaw it and drain off any excess water before using it in the filling.
- How do I keep the filling from spilling out of the chicken?
To keep the filling securely inside, don’t cut the chicken all the way through. Only slice a pocket into the thickest part of the breast, leaving the sides intact. A couple of toothpicks will also help seal the pocket and keep everything in place while baking!
- Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff and prep the chicken breasts up to a day ahead. Just wrap them in plastic wrap, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready. This way, dinner is a breeze when it’s time to cook!
- What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, just sear the chicken in any skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish. You can still follow the recipe to get the crispy sear on the chicken and then bake it in your dish.
- How do I know when the chicken is done?
To make sure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use an instant-read thermometer. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It’s the most foolproof way to avoid overcooking or undercooking!
