Name: Stuffed Chicken Breast With Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 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 cup small chopped broccoli florets; 1 heaping packed cup (4 oz.) freshly shredded sharp cheddar; 5 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced; 1/4 cup cooked, chopped bacon; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon dried chives; 1/4 teaspoon dried dill (optional)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy, and veggie-packed meal, and this Stuffed Chicken Breast With Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe hits the spot every time. The combination of tender chicken, sharp cheddar, and vibrant broccoli makes it a perfect dinner that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull off.

The dish shows a thick, golden-brown chicken piece in the center, covered with a creamy sauce dotted with bits of red and green herbs. To the right, there is a mound of smooth white mashed potatoes topped with a pat of melting butter and sprinkled with black pepper and chopped green herbs. Below the chicken, a small bunch of bright green asparagus spears is placed neatly. The food is served on a white plate with a textured dark brown rim, against a white marbled background. A woman's hand holds a gold fork near the asparagus, adding a sense of interaction to the scene. 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 Stuffed Chicken Breast With Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Stuffed Chicken Breast With Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Chicken Breast With Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love making this stuffed chicken breast because it feels like a cozy dinner treat but comes together without fuss. The creamy broccoli and cheddar filling inside juicy chicken is a flavor hug, and you’ll find it’s a crowd-pleaser whether for family dinner or a casual weeknight meal.

Balanced flavors: The sharp cheddar and tender broccoli create a filling that’s packed with flavor yet wholesome and comforting.
Simple prep: With just a few ingredients and a clear step-by-step, it’s easy to get this dinner on the table.
Versatile and customizable: You can swap ingredients or add your favorite spices to tweak the flavor just the way you like it.
Great make-ahead option: You can prepare the stuffed breasts ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready, perfect for busy days.

Four golden brown stuffed chicken breasts sit in a black cast iron pan filled with creamy, light brown sauce. Each chicken breast is filled with a colorful mix of red, green, and white vegetables and herbs, which are visible where one piece is lifted up by a silver spoon. The chicken is garnished with finely chopped green herbs, adding freshness to the rich dish. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Stuffed Chicken Breast With Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe really comes down to the harmony between fresh, creamy, and savory elements. Each ingredient isn’t just filling a spot but plays a crucial role in flavor and texture that makes this dish shine.

Flat lay of fresh whole medium chicken breasts with smooth pale pink skin, a small mound of finely diced bright red bell pepper, a handful of vibrant green small broccoli florets, a heap of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese with vivid orange tones, a small white ceramic bowl of softened cream cheese with a creamy texture, a few strips of crispy cooked bacon chopped into pieces showing rich reddish-brown and golden hues, a small white bowl containing golden olive oil, a small white bowl of light amber low sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl with a mixed spice rub of coarse pale beige garlic powder, salt crystals, reddish paprika, and dark specks of black pepper, a few sprigs of dried parsley, dried chives, and a small pinch of dried dill scattered nearby, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a simple clean white ceramic plate and bowls, 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: Medium-sized breasts work best—you can create a perfect pocket without the meat being too thin or thick.
Broccoli florets: Steamed just until tender, they add a fresh crunch and bright color to the filling.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully, adding that rich, tangy depth.
Cream cheese: Gives a creamy, smooth texture that binds the filling and balances the cheddar’s sharpness.
Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a bit of bite, finely diced so it blends seamlessly.
Bacon: Crispy cooked bacon brings a smoky, savory crunch that elevates the filling—totally optional but a favorite of mine.
Spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, chives, dill): These create layers of flavor without overwhelming the chicken or filling.
Olive oil and chicken broth: Essential for searing the chicken to golden perfection and keeping it moist in the oven.

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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

One of the things I love most about this Stuffed Chicken Breast With Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to go a little lighter or add some heat, it’s a great base for your personal touch.

Variation: I once swapped the broccoli for spinach and added a little feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean twist — it was a hit with my friends!
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce inside the filling gives it a subtle kick that wakes up the flavors.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and stuff portobello mushrooms or large zucchini boats with the filling for a hearty vegetarian option.

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

Step 1: Prep and Steam the Broccoli

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Meanwhile, steam your broccoli florets with a bit of water in a microwave-safe bowl covered with a damp paper towel — I find just 2 minutes gets them tender but still bright green. Drain the water, then push the broccoli to one side. On the other side, add softened cream cheese, chopped red bell pepper, cooked bacon, and your fresh herbs and spices. Hold off on mixing until you whisk your spice rub and add a teaspoon to the filling for that extra flavor boost.

Step 2: Tenderize and Create the Pocket

Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board, cover them with plastic wrap, and gently pound them with a meat mallet or a can — this evens out their thickness and makes them tender. Then remove the wrap and pat dry with paper towels. Next, carefully slice a pocket into the thickest side of each breast, cutting all the way across but not through—think of making a book. This pocket is where all our cheesy broccoli goodness will go!

Step 3: Stuff and Season

Now, scoop the filling into each chicken breast pocket. I like to squeeze the filling with my hand first — it makes it easier to stuff without making a mess. If your filling wants to escape, go ahead and secure the opening with toothpicks. After stuffing, evenly sprinkle the spice rub onto all sides of the chicken and pat it in—this seasoning seals in the flavor.

Step 4: Sear and Bake to Perfection

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it starts to smoke, then swirl in the olive oil. Sear two chicken breasts at a time for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. Transfer them to a plate and repeat. Return all the breasts to the skillet and carefully add chicken broth — watch for splatter! Cover the pan with foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 17 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to finish cooking internally to 165°F. It’s magic on a plate!

Top Tip

I’ve made this recipe dozens of times and learned a few things that really help nail it every time. Don’t skip tenderizing the chicken — it makes stuffing easier and ensures even cooking. Also, be generous with seasoning inside and out, because sometimes the filling can mute flavor otherwise. Lastly, always use an instant-read thermometer because nothing beats perfectly cooked chicken that’s juicy and safe.

Tenderize for tenderness: Don’t rush pounding the chicken; it really helps the texture and stuffing process.
Season thoroughly: The spice rub is the flavor backbone — don’t be shy about rubbing it on both sides.
Use fresh sharp cheddar: It melts best and gives the filling a vibrant tang you’ll notice every bite.
Rest your chicken: Letting it rest finishes cooking gently so the juices redistribute, keeping it moist.

How to Serve Stuffed Chicken Breast With Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe

stuffed chicken breast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For garnishes, I love a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a touch of herbaceous brightness. Sometimes, a little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the sliced chicken just before serving adds a fresh zing that balances the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes — they soak up any extra cheesy filling and juices. Roasted garlic green beans or a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette also work wonders to add freshness and round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I love slicing the stuffed breasts crosswise to show off the colorful filling. You can arrange them fanned out on a platter with the side dishes around, or stack a couple slices on top of creamy polenta for a rustic-chic presentation that impresses guests effortlessly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? I usually let the chicken cool to room temperature before placing each breast in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, and surprisingly, the filling holds up nicely without getting soggy.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, this recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap each stuffed breast tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking or reheating to maintain moisture and texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers without drying them out, I like to cover the chicken with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. This gentle heat keeps the chicken juicy and melts the cheese filling back to that perfect creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?

Pounding the chicken breasts even and using chicken broth during baking helps retain moisture. Also, don’t overcook it — aim for the internal temperature to reach 160°F, then rest it to finish cooking.

Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from the broccoli before mixing it with the filling. This prevents sogginess inside the chicken.

What can I substitute for bacon?

You can leave it out for a vegetarian option or replace it with diced sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for a smoky, savory twist.

Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the stuffed breasts fully and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let them come to room temperature before cooking for even results.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Chicken Breast With Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe is one of those go-to meals that feels just a little fancy but really is easy enough to fit into a busy schedule. I love that it brings comforting, cheesy goodness into a healthy, balanced dish that’s pleasing to both adults and kids alike. So next time you want to impress without the stress, give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming a family favorite like I have!