Name: Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 52 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 tablespoons low sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon dried chives; 1/4 teaspoon dried dill; 1 cup small chopped broccoli florets; 1 heaping packed cup (4 oz.) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 5 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced; 1/4 cup cooked, chopped bacon

There’s something truly comforting about tender chicken breasts bursting with cheesy broccoli goodness — that’s why I’m excited to share this Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe with you. It’s juicy, flavorful, and just the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

The image shows four pieces of golden-brown stuffed chicken placed inside a black cast iron skillet. Each chicken piece is cut open in the middle and filled with a colorful stuffing mix that includes green herbs, red pepper bits, and creamy white cheese. The chicken is cooked to a crisp outside with visible char marks, and it is sprinkled with fresh green parsley on top. The skillet also contains a creamy orange sauce around the chicken, with small bits of herbs and vegetables mixed in. A shiny gold spoon is placed inside the skillet resting against the side. The dish is set on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I tried making this Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe – I was amazed at how simple ingredients came together into something so special. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy, yet you’ll realize it’s way easier to pull off than you thought!

Incredibly Juicy: The chicken never dries out thanks to the stuffing and searing technique.
Flavor-Packed Filling: Sharp cheddar, cream cheese, broccoli, and bacon make every bite irresistible.
Quick Weeknight Winner: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings when you want something homemade.
Customizable: You can easily adjust veggies, spices, or cheese to make it your own signature dish.

Four browned stuffed chicken breasts with a crispy outer layer sit in a black cast iron pan filled with a creamy, light brown sauce. Each chicken breast is cut open to show a colorful filling made of green vegetables and red and yellow pieces, with a texture that looks soft and moist. Small green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding freshness and contrast against the golden-brown surface of the chicken. A woman's hand is holding a golden spoon lifting one of the stuffed pieces, showing the creamy inside clearly. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe lies in its balanced ingredients. Together, they create a creamy, savory filling that contrasts beautifully with tender, seared chicken. Use fresh broccoli and quality cheddar for the best flavor punch.

Flat lay of four medium raw chicken breasts, a small pile of fresh small chopped broccoli florets, a heaping mound of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a block of softened cream cheese, finely diced red bell pepper, chopped cooked bacon pieces, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of light golden chicken broth, a small white bowl containing a pale beige garlic powder and salt mixture, a small white bowl with a light beige onion powder, paprika, and black pepper blend, and small sprinkles of dried parsley, dried chives, and dried dill arranged neatly and symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Choose medium-sized breasts for easier stuffing and even cooking.
Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps you get that perfect golden sear on the chicken.
Chicken broth: Keeps the pan moist and helps create a simple, delicious sauce as the chicken bakes.
Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper: The well-balanced spice rub keeps the chicken flavorful without overpowering the filling.
Broccoli florets: Fresh and crisp, they soften nicely when steamed and blend perfectly with cheese.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a tangy richness that wakes up the filling.
Cream cheese: Gives that smooth, creamy texture that makes the filling irresistible.
Red bell pepper: Adds a pretty pop of color and a bit of sweetness.
Bacon: Crispy bits bring a smoky finish that pairs perfectly with the broccoli and cheese.
Dried parsley, chives, dill: Herbs add freshness and subtle complexity to the filling.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I love the classic version of this Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe, I like to switch things up depending on what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to tweak the filling or seasoning to suit your tastes.

Variation: I’ve swapped broccoli with asparagus or spinach for a different veggie twist — both work wonderfully when steamed briefly.
Dietary tweaks: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast if you want to make it vegan-friendly, just add chickpea flour-based “chicken” substitutes instead.
Cheese swaps: Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or gouda can replace cheddar if you want a milder or creamier flavor.
Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika adds a kick if you like a little heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Step 1: Gently Steam the Broccoli

I like to steam the broccoli in the microwave because it’s quick and locks in that vibrant green color. Just pop the chopped florets with a couple tablespoons of water into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and zap for about 2 minutes. Drain well – you don’t want soggy filling!

Step 2: Mix the Filling

Once the broccoli is steamed, I push it to one side of the bowl and add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced red bell pepper, cooked bacon, and herbs on the other side. Whisk your spice rub, add a teaspoon to the filling, and thoroughly mix everything until creamy and full of flavor.

Step 3: Prepare and Tenderize the Chicken

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap, then gently pound them with a meat mallet or something heavy like the bottom of a can. This evens out the thickness and helps when creating a pocket without tearing the meat. Don’t forget to pat them dry afterward – dry chicken sears better!

Step 4: Create the Pocket and Stuff

Here’s the trick: slice into the thickest side of the breast about halfway through, being careful not to cut all the way down. Make a deep pocket to stuff your filling inside. I find using my hands to squeeze the filling in works best — just gently push it inside and secure any openings with toothpicks if filling tries to escape.

Step 5: Season, Sear, and Bake

Rub the remaining spice mix all over the stuffed chicken breasts. Heat a cast iron skillet (or oven-safe pan) over medium-high heat until it just begins to smoke, swirl in olive oil, and sear the chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Then pour in chicken broth, cover the pan tightly with foil, and pop it in your 375°F oven for 12-17 minutes until the internal temperature reads 160°F. Rest for 5 minutes and the temperature will rise to the perfect 165°F.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few secrets to make this Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe come out perfect every time. Here’s what I keep in mind:

Don’t overstuff: Stuff just enough filling to fill the pocket without bursting the chicken skin, or the filling will ooze out when you cook it.
Pat chicken dry: Dry chicken sears beautifully and develops that mouthwatering golden crust.
Use an instant-read thermometer: It’s the best way to ensure your chicken is juicy and fully cooked without guesswork.
Rest before slicing: Patience pays off — resting lets juices redistribute, so the chicken stays moist when you cut into it.

How to Serve Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Broccoli Stuffed Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives—it brightens the plate and adds a lovely herbal touch. Sometimes I drizzle just a bit of the pan sauce over the top to keep every bite flavorful.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes (my personal fave) or a simple roasted vegetable medley. A side salad with a zesty vinaigrette also cuts through the richness nicely on warmer days.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I slice the stuffed chicken breasts crosswise into medallions and fan them out on the plate. It makes for a stunning presentation and showcases that tasty cheesy broccoli center really well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the first round, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays tender and the flavors even deepen overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe both cooked and uncooked. For uncooked, wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or a freezer bag. Thaw overnight and bake as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the chicken with foil and warm it gently in a 325°F oven — this keeps it from drying out. Microwave reheating works too if you’re in a hurry, but watch the time to avoid drying.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

You can, but it’s best to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli well to prevent extra moisture from making the filling soggy. Fresh broccoli gives a better texture overall.

What if I don’t have a meat mallet to tenderize the chicken?

No worries! You can use the bottom of a sturdy can or even gently press with your hands to even out the chicken breasts. The goal is just to make the thickness uniform for easy stuffing and cooking.

Can I prepare the chicken breasts ahead of time and bake later?

Absolutely! You can stuff the chicken breasts and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just bring them to room temperature before searing and baking.

How do I know when the chicken is done without a thermometer?

While an instant-read thermometer is best for precision, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check. The juices should run clear (not pink), and the meat should be opaque all the way through.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the joy of serving up this Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe to friends and family who always ask for seconds. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is simple enough to make any day of the week. Once you try it, I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in your rotation, just like it is in mine. Happy cooking!