If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with vibrant flavors, the Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast will quickly become your new go-to. This recipe takes tender, juicy chicken breasts and fills them with a delightful combo of fresh broccoli, sweet red bell pepper, and gooey colby-jack cheese, all seasoned to perfection. It’s an irresistible balance of healthy veggies and indulgent cheese that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping meal that’s perfect for weeknights or impressing guests alike.

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a unique role to deliver the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in the Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast.

4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 to 2 ¼ pounds): The perfect canvas for stuffing and soaking up flavors.
½ teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and seasonings.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and vibrant color.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides that beloved aromatic punch without overpowering.
¼ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances depth and rounds out the spice mix.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Delivers a mild heat to awaken the palate.
1 ½ cups small-diced broccoli florets: Keeps the stuffing fresh and slightly crisp after baking.
¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper: Adds a hint of sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
1 ⅓ cups shredded colby-jack cheese: Melts to creamy perfection, tying all the stuffing ingredients together.
1 ½ tablespoons mayonnaise: Ensures the stuffing stays moist and rich.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Ideal for searing the chicken to a golden brown and locking in juices.

How to Make Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F to get it ready for baking. Meanwhile, take each chicken breast and carefully cut a pocket lengthwise along the side, making sure not to slice all the way through. Gently widen these pockets so there’s enough room to hold the delicious broccoli and cheese stuffing later on.

Step 2: Mix the Seasoning Blend

In a small bowl, combine salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This seasoning mix is your secret weapon to infuse bold flavor directly into the chicken as well as the filling. Reserve a teaspoon of this blend for the stuffing and save the rest for seasoning the chicken exterior later.

Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing

In a medium bowl, stir together the blanched broccoli florets, finely diced red bell pepper, shredded colby-jack cheese, mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon of the seasoning blend. Gently mix everything to combine, making sure the cheese evenly coats the veggies so every bite delivers that perfect cheesy crunch and creamy texture.

Step 4: Stuff the Chicken Breasts

Fill each chicken breast pocket with a generous quarter of the broccoli filling. Don’t shy away from packing it in, as this is where the magic happens! Secure the openings with toothpicks so none of that cheesy goodness escapes during cooking.

Step 5: Season and Sear the Chicken

Sprinkle the remaining seasoning blend over both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts. Then, heat up a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, and sear each chicken breast for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown. This step not only locks in moisture but also adds a craving-worthy crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before carefully removing toothpicks—this rest time lets the juices redistribute, keeping every bite tender and juicy.

How to Serve Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of green that harmonizes beautifully with the broccoli stuffing and brightens the plate. A light drizzle of garlic butter or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also elevate the flavors and add a bit of zing.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple garlic mashed potato to soak up the cheesy juices or a crisp mixed green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance richness. Roasted sweet potatoes or quinoa tossed with herbs and lemon can round out the meal while keeping it wholesome and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, slice the Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast crosswise, revealing the colorful and melty filling. Arrange the slices artfully on a platter with the side dishes, and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an inviting, restaurant-quality look right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays juicy, and the filling remains flavorful when reheated with care.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months and thaw safely overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture and taste, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. This method preserves the juiciness and melts the cheese filling beautifully. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for the stuffing?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture that could make the filling soggy. Blanching fresh broccoli is ideal for crisp texture, but frozen is a convenient alternative.

What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Colby-jack cheese is preferred for its creamy meltability and mild flavor that complements the broccoli perfectly. However, sharp cheddar or mozzarella can also be delicious substitutes if you want to experiment.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the colby-jack cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative and substitute mayonnaise with a dairy-free mayo to keep the richness while accommodating dietary needs.

How do I ensure the chicken stays moist while baking?

Creating a pocket for the stuffing and searing the chicken before baking are critical steps. The searing locks in juices, and baking covered with foil traps moisture, resulting in juicy chicken every time.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Just increase the ingredients accordingly and bake in batches or use a larger roasting pan. Keep an eye on baking time as it might vary slightly depending on the thickness and number of chicken breasts.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe that the Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is one of those delightful dishes that brings comfort and excitement together in every bite. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or looking to impress friends, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Give it a try—you might just find it quickly taking a permanent spot in your recipe box!

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features juicy chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of broccoli, red bell pepper, and melted colby-jack cheese. Seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powders, then seared and baked to perfection, this dish offers a healthy, protein-packed dinner option that’s both delicious and visually appealing.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
Prepare Chicken: Cut a lengthwise pocket into the side of each chicken breast and gently widen it to make space for the filling.
Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to blend.
Make Stuffing: In a medium bowl, mix together the blanched and small-diced broccoli florets, finely diced red bell pepper, shredded colby-jack cheese, mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon of the seasoning mixture. Stir gently to combine without crushing the ingredients.
Stuff Chicken: Fill each chicken breast pocket with a quarter of the broccoli-cheese mixture. Secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
Season Chicken: Sprinkle the remaining seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts to enhance flavor.
Sear Chicken: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, developing flavor and color.
Bake: Return the skillet with the seared chicken to the oven. Cover with foil to retain moisture and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before carefully removing the toothpicks. This resting phase allows juices to redistribute for moist, tender chicken. Serve warm.

Notes

You can blanch the broccoli by briefly boiling it for 1-2 minutes and then plunging it into ice water to retain its color and crunch.
If you don’t have colby-jack cheese, a mild cheddar or mozzarella can be used as a substitute.
Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet for the searing and baking step to avoid transferring chicken to another pan.
Adjust the seasoning blend to your taste preference or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps keep it juicy and flavorful.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stuffed, Searing, Baking
Cuisine: American