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; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 3 tablespoons low sodium chicken broth; 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 so comforting about juicy chicken breasts bursting with cheesy, veggie-packed goodness. This Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is exactly that—a perfect blend of creamy cheddar, tender broccoli, and savory spices wrapped inside tender chicken. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will quickly earn a regular spot on your dinner table.

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

This Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is a game-changer because it’s so flavorful and satisfying without being complicated. It takes simple ingredients and turns them into a meal that feels special but is genuinely easy enough for weeknights.

Juicy, Not Dry: The filling and searing process locks in moisture so the chicken stays tender every time.
Flavor Packed: Sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a little smoky bacon combine with fresh broccoli for a balanced, savory taste.
Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy or hard-to-find here, just real, wholesome food you can find at any grocery store.
Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak herbs, add spices, or swap veggies to suit your mood or pantry.

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

Each ingredient in this Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe plays its own role to create layers of flavor and texture. I find that using fresh shredded cheddar melts better and brings a sharp tang, while tender steamed broccoli adds some lovely green freshness. Here are a few details to keep in mind when shopping and prepping.

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, evenly thick breasts for easier stuffing and cooking.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps get that golden sear without smoking out your kitchen.
Low sodium chicken broth: A splash in the pan creates a subtle, savory pan sauce that amps up the flavor.
Spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper): A simple but effective blend that seasons both inside the filling and on the chicken surface.
Broccoli florets: Steamed just until tender-crisp—no soggy veggies here.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded for melty, gooey texture and tangy punch.
Cream cheese: This soft cheese binds the filling and adds creamy indulgence.
Red bell pepper: Finely diced for a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
Cooked bacon: Adds smoky salty bites that flavor the filling (see my notes below on easy prep!).
Dried parsley, chives, dill: Herbal notes brighten the filling and complement the cheddar beautifully.

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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 my favorite things about this Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks. After all, not every pantry or palate is the same! I sometimes swap the red bell pepper for sun-dried tomatoes or add a little crushed red pepper for heat if I want a kick.

Variation: I once tried it with mozzarella and fresh basil instead of cheddar and herbs—it turned out deliciously Italian-inspired and was a hit!
Vegetarian twist: Try stuffing portobello mushroom caps with the filling for a meatless take that's just as satisfying.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce into the filling for some warmth without overpowering the flavors.

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

Step 1: Prep and Steam Your Broccoli

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—gettin’ ahead saves time later! Then, place your chopped broccoli florets with about 2 tablespoons of water into a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 2 minutes just enough to soften but keep that crunch. Drain any excess water because soggy filling = big no.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling

Keep the broccoli pushed to one side of the bowl. In the other side, add cream cheese, sharp cheddar, diced red bell pepper, chopped bacon, and all your herbs and spices. Whisk a small amount of the spice rub separately to sprinkle on the chicken later, then mix the rest into the filling until smooth. Folding in the broccoli last keeps its texture intact.

Step 3: Tenderize and Create the Pocket

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and gently pound to even thickness—this helps cook evenly and makes room for stuffing. Then, carefully slice a deep pocket along the thick side of each breast without cutting all the way through. If you slice too deep, you’ll lose that handy stuffing pocket!

Step 4: Stuff and Season

Using your hands, squeeze and stuff that creamy, cheesy filling into each pocket. Don’t be shy—get it packed in for maximum flavor in every bite. If some filling tries to escape, a toothpick can help keep it all together. Finally, sprinkle the reserved spice rub evenly all over the chicken and gently pat it in.

Step 5: Sear for Golden Perfection

Heat your cast iron skillet on medium-high until just smoking, then swirl in the olive oil. Sear two breasts at a time for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and fragrant—the aroma alone will have you drooling. Remove and repeat with the others.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Return all the chicken to the pan, pour the chicken broth around the breasts (be careful of splatters!), and cover the skillet tightly with foil. Transfer to the oven for 12-17 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. After resting 5 minutes, the heat will raise the temperature to a safe 165°F for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.

Top Tip

After making this Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference between good and great. Don’t rush these steps—they really help with flavor and texture!

Don’t skip tenderizing: Pounding the chicken makes it thin enough for stuffing and ensures even cooking.
Steam broccoli just right: Two minutes in the microwave nails that perfect tender-crisp texture without weird sogginess.
Use your hands for stuffing: It’s easier to control the filling, and you get every pocket packed with cheesy goodness.
Let it rest: After baking, resting lets the juices redistribute so the chicken stays moist and tender.

How to Serve Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

broccoli stuffed chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top right after plating—it adds a fresh green pop and a bit of herbal brightness that balances the rich filling.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple garlic butter rice pilaf. For veggies, I often serve it alongside roasted carrots or a crisp green salad for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I sliced the stuffed breasts and fanned them out over a bed of sautéed spinach for a dinner party. They looked elegant but were so comforting to eat—your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover stuffed chicken breasts tightly in foil or place in an airtight container, then refrigerate. They’ll stay good for 3-4 days and still taste amazing reheated.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen individual stuffed chicken breasts before cooking—just wrap well in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then proceed with cooking as usual.

Reheating

To keep the chicken juicy, I reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth over low heat or briefly in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli in this Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe?

You can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it very well to avoid excess moisture in the filling, which can make the chicken soggy. Steaming fresh broccoli gives a better texture and flavor.

How do I make sure the chicken cooks evenly without drying out?

Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is key. This allows the chicken to cook through evenly during baking without the thinner parts drying out. Also, searing helps lock in juices before finishing in the oven.

Can I prepare this Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can stuff the chicken breasts and refrigerate them for a few hours or even overnight before searing and baking. Just bring them to room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution.

What can I substitute for bacon in the filling?

If you prefer to skip bacon, smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke can add a subtle smoky flavor to the filling. For vegetarians, adding sautéed mushrooms can introduce a nice umami depth as well.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is one of those recipes that once you’ve made it a couple times, you instantly know it’s going into your regular meal rotation. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and kind to your time and effort. I love sharing it with friends because it impresses without stress—give it a try and see for yourself how such a simple recipe becomes a family favorite.