Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken

This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast delivers everything you want: a golden-seared exterior, a creamy, melty filling, and tender chicken that's never dry. Cream cheese and cheddar cheese make THE perfect stuffed chicken breast recipe that's juicy, cheesy, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

This is the kind of easy stuffed chicken breast recipe that looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant - but uses a handful of pantry staples and takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish. Consider this your go-to guide for baked stuffed chicken breast done right.

Delicious with Caprese Stuffed Avocados and a slice of Dutch Oven Bread.

What Is Stuffed Chicken Breast?

A stuffed chicken breast is exactly what it sounds like: a boneless, skinless chicken breast that has been sliced open to create a pocket, filled with a flavorful mixture, then cooked until juicy and golden.

It's one of the most versatile chicken breast recipes you can make, because the filling is endlessly customizable. This version is all about the crowd-pleasing combo of broccoli, Cheddar and cream cheese - 3 ingredients that were simply born to be together inside a juicy chicken breast.

If you love stuffed chicken, I also have Asparagus Stuffed Chicken and Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Chicken.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and weeknight-friendly - ready in under 40 minutes.
• Kid/Guest-Approved - the broccoli is finely chopped and surrounded by melty cheese (vegetables you and your guests/kids will actually eat).
• High protein, low carb - approximately 44g protein and only 4g carbs per serving.
• Impressive enough for guests - looks gourmet, works effortlessly.

Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the vessel for all that cheesy goodness. Larger breasts are essential - they give you enough thickness to carve a deep, generous pocket without cutting all the way through.
• Salt and Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: All add gorgeous flavor and golden-red color when seared, contributing both visual appeal and a mild, slightly smoky sweetness to the crust. It's what makes the outside of this chicken look as good as it tastes.
• Broccoli Florets: The star vegetable in the filling. Broccoli adds texture, nutrition, and earthy flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese. Finely chopping and briefly microwaving the broccoli softens it just enough to blend beautifully into the filling and fit snugly inside the chicken pocket.
• Cream Cheese and Cheddar Cheese: Mild cheddar melts smoothly and creamily into the filling, binding everything together and delivering that classic broccoli-cheese flavor. Sharp cheddar can be substituted for a bolder, more pronounced cheesy bite.
• Olive Oil: Used in the skillet to sear the chicken, olive oil creates a beautiful golden crust.

How to Make Broccoli Stuffed Chicken

This is an overview of the best stuffed chicken breast recipe! Broccoli, cheddar & step-by-step tips for juicy, flavorful results every time. Full ingredients, measurements & instructions are in the recipe card below.

1. Mix Broccoli and Cheeses: In a small bowl, mix together the broccoli, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Set aside.

2. Prepare Chicken Breast. Cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing about three-quarters of the way through, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Stuff the Chicken Breasts: Stuff broccoli/cheese filling into the chicken pockets. Secure the openings with toothpicks.

4. Sear the Chicken Breasts: Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until the bottom is golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes.

5. Bake: Flip the chicken and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving and enjoy.

Can I make this in the air fryer?

Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are harder to stuff because they lack the thick, uniform shape of a breast. If you prefer thighs, butterfly them flat and fold them over the filling like a taco, then secure with toothpicks. Adjust baking time accordingly.

How do I keep stuffed chicken moist?

The key is a combination of factors: using large, thick chicken breasts, not overcooking past 165°F, covering the skillet with foil during the oven phase, and letting the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking.

What's the best cheese for stuffed chicken breast?

Mild cheddar is the classic choice for broccoli-cheese stuffed chicken because it melts smoothly and has a flavor profile that pairs beautifully with broccoli.

Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella are all excellent alternatives depending on how bold you want the flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken breast - Chicken breast works best for this recipe. However, if you need a substitute, you could use boneless, skinless thighs. Pound them slightly at the thickest part, then wrap your broccoli and cheese mixture into the centers and secure with toothpicks. 
• Italian seasoning - Homemade seasoning also works, and Herb De Ponce is another option as well.
• Cheddar cheese - A sharp or mild cheddar works best, but you can also use Colby cheese if you prefer.
• Olive oil - Alternatives include avocado, grapeseed, or coconut oil.

How do I serve my Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken?

To serve, pair it with a side of rice or mashed potatoes, a side salad with a bright vinaigrette, and a buttery dinner rolls. I also love to serve stuffed chicken with a variety of these side dishes:

• Scalloped Potatoes or French Fries - for a heartier dinner that's still relatively hands-off
• Steamed rice or Bang Bang Cauliflower - keeps it low-carb while still feeling substantial.
• Extra stuffing on the side - I LOVE making a double batch of the broccoli cheese mixture and serving it as a side dish alongside the chicken!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the chopped broccoli just the florets or the stems included? It is mainly the florets, but some short parts of the stems are included.
• Can I use frozen broccoli florets in the filling? Though fresh broccoli is ideal for this dish, you can use frozen broccoli florets and then chop them. However, you will need to fully thaw them in a strainer to remove as much excess water as possible before mixing with the cheese. Otherwise, your filling could become very watery and loose, causing it to slide out of the chicken during baking. 
• What can I do if I do not have an oven-safe skillet? If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, cook the chicken in the skillet as directed and then move it to a baking dish to finish in the oven.
• Could I melt extra cheese over the top of them? Yes, you can melt extra cheese on top if you'd like. I recommend waiting until the last 3-5 minutes of cooking, so it doesn't burn. 

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To reheat, place leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

More Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipes

• Mushroom Stuffed Chicken
• Asparagus Stuffed Chicken
• Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Chicken