Introduction
These Cream Cheese and Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts are the ultimate comfort dinner juicy, oven-baked chicken filled with a rich, cheesy broccoli center. Perfectly seasoned and crisped on the outside, creamy and savory inside this dish is pure weeknight magic.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
- In a bowl, mix the chopped broccoli, cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Fill each chicken breast pocket generously with the cream cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Variation
- Add turkey bacon – For an extra savory crunch, you can mix in crispy crumbled turkey bacon into the cream cheese filling. It adds a smoky, salty note that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheeses and broccoli, while keeping things lighter than traditional bacon.
- Use spinach instead of broccoli – Swap the broccoli for cooked, chopped spinach if you’re looking for a softer, earthier green inside. Be sure to squeeze out all excess water from the spinach before mixing to avoid a watery filling.
- Try different cheeses – Mix things up with shredded gouda, fontina, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Different cheeses can give the stuffing a whole new flavor profile depending on your mood or what’s in your fridge.
Cooking Notes
- Secure stuffing properly – Don’t skip the toothpicks! They help keep all that creamy goodness tucked inside the chicken as it cooks. Just remember to remove them before serving.
- Watch for overstuffing – It’s tempting to fill the chicken to the brim, but too much stuffing can cause it to ooze out during cooking. Leave a little space and press gently to seal.
- Check doneness with a thermometer – Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid undercooked or dry results.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roasted potatoes or mashed cauliflower – These creamy or crispy sides complement the rich filling without overpowering it. Mashed cauliflower is a great low-carb option that still feels indulgent.
- Serve with a fresh green salad – A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the cheese-stuffed chicken and adds a refreshing crunch.
- Drizzle with a garlic herb butter – Right before serving, melt some butter with garlic and fresh herbs and spoon it over the chicken. It enhances the flavors and gives the dish a gourmet touch.
Tips
- Let the chicken rest before slicing – Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute and prevents the filling from spilling out too quickly.
- Steam the broccoli until just tender – Overcooked broccoli can turn mushy and water down the filling. Aim for crisp-tender texture to maintain flavor and bite.
- Soften the cream cheese fully before mixing – Soft cream cheese blends more easily and creates a smoother, more evenly distributed filling. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just make sure to thaw and drain it completely before chopping and mixing into the filling to avoid excess moisture. -
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and stuff the chicken breasts up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Sear and bake when you’re ready to cook. -
What can I use if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No problem just sear the stuffed chicken breasts in any skillet, then transfer them to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven. -
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Make sure not to overstuff, and use toothpicks to close the pocket securely. You can also gently press the opening closed before searing to help seal it.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese and Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a dinner win easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The creamy, cheesy filling and golden-brown sear make every bite comforting and satisfying. It’s a flavor-packed twist on classic chicken that’s sure to become a favorite!
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Cream Cheese and Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Cream Cheese and Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts are the ultimate comfort dinner juicy, oven-baked chicken filled with a rich, cheesy broccoli center. Perfectly seasoned and crisped on the outside, creamy and savory inside this dish is pure weeknight magic.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
- In a bowl, mix the chopped broccoli, cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Fill each chicken breast pocket generously with the cream cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before baking.
- Steaming broccoli until just tender gives the filling a nice bite without being mushy.
- You can prep the filling ahead and refrigerate it to make this a quick assembly meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: stuffed chicken, broccoli chicken, cheesy stuffed chicken