Name: Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts 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 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; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon dried chives; 1/4 teaspoon dried dill (optional)

Sometimes, you just need a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe is exactly that—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with fresh broccoli, making it a satisfying meal that’s worth every bit of effort. You’re about to fall in love with how juicy and flavorful these chicken breasts turn out!

The image shows four large pieces of browned chicken on top, stuffed with a colorful filling of finely chopped vegetables and herbs that are green and red, all sitting in a creamy light orange sauce with some herb bits visible. The chicken pieces have a crispy texture with some charred spots and are garnished with small green herb leaves. The dish is served in a black cast iron pan with a gold-colored spoon resting inside, all placed on a white marbled surface. 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 Breasts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I can’t recommend this Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe enough. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines textures, flavors, and juiciness like very few chicken dishes do. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even on a weekday after work.

Juicy & Tender Chicken: Pounding the breasts and making a pocket keeps the chicken moist and delicious.
Cheesy Broccoli Filling: Cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and fresh broccoli make each bite satisfyingly rich and healthy.
Easy Pan Sauce: The splash of chicken broth at the end transforms those browned bits into a simple, flavorful sauce.
Customizable & Family-Friendly: You can easily swap ingredients or add extras to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

The image shows four thick, brown, cooked chicken pieces in a black cast iron pan, each stuffed with a mix of finely chopped green, red, and white vegetables or herbs, which add color and texture to the dish. The chicken is covered in a light brown sauce that pools at the bottom of the pan and has some fresh, small green herb garnishes sprinkled on top. One chicken piece is being lifted with a large silver spoon, exposing the colorful filling inside. The surface beneath the pan has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a vital role in this recipe’s success, coming together for a balanced combo of flavor and texture. Here’s why I chose them and how you can pick the best versions when shopping.

Flat lay of four medium raw chicken breasts with smooth pale pink skin, a heap of small chopped bright green broccoli florets in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with creamy soft cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese piled loosely with vivid orange color on a white plate, a small white bowl containing finely diced vibrant red bell pepper, a small white bowl holding cooked chopped bacon pieces with crispy edges, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, another small white bowl with light brown low sodium chicken broth, whole uncracked brown eggs arranged neatly, and tiny piles of mixed dried green parsley, chives, and dill herbs on a white dish, all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, 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: Look for medium-sized breasts for easier stuffing and even cooking. Pounding them thin ensures tenderness and juiciness.
Olive Oil: Perfect for searing that chicken to golden perfection without burning.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and forms the base of a simple pan sauce, enhancing flavor without extra salt.
Garlic Powder: Gives subtle, all-around savory warmth without overpowering.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out every flavor.
Onion Powder: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
Paprika: Brings a mild smokiness that complements the cheese.
Broccoli Florets: Steamed just until tender-crisp to preserve their bright color and fresh crunch.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides tangy richness and melts beautifully inside the pocket.
Cream Cheese: Makes the filling luxuriously creamy and binds everything together.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
Cooked Bacon: Optional but so worth it for a smoky crunch contrast.
Dried Parsley, Chives, Dill: These herbs add a ranch-like fresh flavor without any effort.

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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 thing I love about this Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to fit different moods or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative — that’s part of the fun!

Variation: I sometimes swap the cheddar for mozzarella for a milder, gooier melt—perfect if you prefer something less sharp.
Gluten-Free: This is already gluten-free, which makes it an easy pick if you’re avoiding gluten. Just double-check your broth ingredients.
Vegetable Boost: Throw in some finely chopped spinach or kale into the filling for an extra vitamin kick.
Heat It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the spice mix if you like your dishes with a bit of a spicy kick.

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

Step 1: Prep and Steam Your Broccoli

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. While it’s warming up, chop small broccoli florets and toss them in a microwave-safe bowl with two tablespoons of water. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 2 minutes. This steams them just right—they stay bright and a little crisp instead of mushy. Drain any leftover water, then push the broccoli to one side of the bowl—you’ll be mixing the filling soon.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

Whisk together your spice rub—garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, pepper, parsley, chives, and dill—in a small bowl. Take one teaspoon of this and add it to softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, finely diced red bell pepper, and cooked bacon. Mix everything thoroughly, then gently fold in the steamed broccoli. This filling is creamy, flavorful, and packed with little bursts of freshness and crunch.

Step 3: Tenderize and Prepare Chicken Breasts

Lay chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Grab your meat mallet or even a can and gently pound each breast a few times to even out thickness—this is the secret to juicy chicken every time. Then, remove the plastic, pat dry with paper towels, and carefully slice a deep pocket into the thicker side of each breast—slice through the middle but don’t cut all the way through.

Step 4: Stuff and Season the Chicken

Grab a handful of your filling and squeeze it into each pocket. If you’re like me and don’t want filling spilling everywhere, secure with toothpicks. Then sprinkle and pat the remaining spice rub all over the outside of each breast for that extra punch of flavor.

Step 5: Sear and Bake

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s just starting to smoke, then add olive oil. Sear two chicken breasts at a time, cooking about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Set them aside and repeat with the remaining breasts. Once they’re all seared, add the chicken back to the pan and pour in the chicken broth (beware of splatter!). Cover the skillet tightly with foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake at 375°F for 12-17 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check: the chicken is done once it hits 160°F internally—rest for 5 minutes (it’ll carry over to 165°F) before slicing.

Top Tip

From my experience, these simple tips make a huge difference in how your Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts turn out — trust me, I learned them through some trial, error, and a lot of hungry family feedback!

Even Pounding: Don't skip tenderizing — pounding evens out the thickness to prevent dry spots and undercooked centers.
Sear for Flavor: Getting a golden crust seals in juices and builds those savory browned bits for the pan sauce.
Herb Combo: The dried parsley, chives, and dill might seem minor, but they create a subtle ranch-style vibe that keeps this dish from feeling bland.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest after baking before cutting not only helps it finish cooking but locks in the juiciness.

How to Serve Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Broccoli Stuffed Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top—just enough to brighten the plate and add a fresh herbal note. A little sprinkle of smoked paprika also amps up the color and that cozy smoky warmth I love.

Side Dishes

This chicken is heavenly paired with creamy mashed potatoes or even a simple garlic butter couscous. Roasted carrots or steamed green beans make a great veggie side, but honestly, this stuffed chicken is a full meal on its own.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I sometimes slice the stuffed breasts into thick medallions and fan them out on a serving platter with the pan sauce drizzled over the top. It looks elegant and guests feel like they’re getting something fancy without the fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store any leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last about 3-4 days, and honestly, I’ve enjoyed them cold in sandwiches too!

Freezing

This recipe freezes well before cooking — just stuff the chicken, wrap individually in plastic, then place in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then cook as usual. Cooked leftovers don’t freeze as well because the creamy filling can change texture.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is gently in the oven at 300°F covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the filling creamy and chicken moist without drying it out like a microwave sometimes does.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid sogginess in the filling. Steaming fresh broccoli as directed helps keep the best texture.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding filling. The safe internal temperature is 160°F; after resting, it will rise to 165°F, ensuring juicy and safe-to-eat chicken.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can adapt this by swapping cream cheese and cheddar for dairy-free cheese alternatives and using oil or dairy-free butter. The texture will be a bit different, but it still makes a delicious stuffed chicken.

What’s the best way to make a pocket in the chicken breasts?

Lay the chicken flat, then carefully insert a sharp knife horizontally into the thickest side, slicing through to create a deep pocket but without cutting all the way through. This holds the filling securely while cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe really feels like home to me — it’s that perfect blend of comforting, flavorful, and wholesome. Once you try it, I think you’ll find it slipping into your weekly rotation, too. Give it a go, savor the flavors, and enjoy the ‘wow’ moments every time you pull it out of the oven!