Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast

If you love comfort food, you’ll be head over heels for this Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe! A creamy mix of broccoli, cheddar, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt is stuffed into chicken breasts before they’re seared and baked to perfection.

I can never turn down a cheesy chicken dinner, like Caprese chicken and parmesan chicken, and the same goes for this mouthwatering Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe. It’s indulgent, cheesy, and incredibly comforting!

Stuffed chicken breasts may look impressive, but are surprisingly easy to put together. It starts by stuffing humble chicken breasts with an irresistibly creamy filling made from only four simple ingredients: cheddar, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and broccoli. Seal ‘em closed, sear them in a skillet, then finish in the oven.

The result? The best baked stuffed chicken breasts in less than one hour. What could be better?!

Recipe features 

• Imagine tender chicken breasts generously stuffed with fork-tender broccoli and a luxurious blend of creamy, cheesy, gooey goodness. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
• It’s a beginner-friendly stuffed chicken dish that’s ready in less than 1 hour. Perfect for both speedy weeknight dinners and special occasions.
• The chicken is stuffed, pan-seared, then finished in the oven, all in the same cast iron skillet for convenience and quick clean-up.
• Use this recipe as a blank canvas. You can mix and match the fillings using any of the ideas in the Variations section below.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts – I find that small chicken breasts are the easiest to butterfly and stuff. If your chicken breasts are larger, lightly pound them with a meat mallet so they’re at an even thickness.

Broccoli – Broccoli in stuffed chicken is not only delicious but also sneaks in some extra nutrition, like fiber and vitamins K and C. Both fresh or frozen broccoli (thaw it before cooking) will work here. And remember, the smaller you cut the broccoli florets, the quicker they’ll cook.

Greek yogurt and cream cheese – These two work together to make the filling super creamy and luxurious. For a protein-rich substitute, use cottage cheese instead of Greek yogurt.

Cheddar cheese – Shred the cheddar shredded directly from the block if you can. And if you don’t have cheddar, use shredded mozzarella, American, Gruyère, or any of these melting cheeses recommended by Bon Appetit.

Seasonings – I used a blend of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to season the surface of the stuffed chicken breasts before pan-searing. 

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Make the filling. Mix the broccoli, yogurt, cream cheese, cheddar, garlic, and salt together in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Stuff the chicken. Slice through each chicken breast to make an opening. Add a few scoops of the filling to each breast, then secure them closed with toothpicks. Season the outside of the chicken with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Pan-sear. Heat the oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear on both sides.

Step 4: Bake. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through.  

Step 5: Rest and serve. Let the baked chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy! 

Tips and FAQs

• Want crispy, golden brown chicken breasts? Then you need to preheat the oiled skillet until it’s sizzling hot. This is the best way to achieve a gorgeous golden crust.
• You’ll know the chicken breasts are done baking when a meat thermometer measures the internal temperature at 165ºF. 
• Remember to let the chicken breasts rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeps the meat tender, and gives the stuffing time to cool down.

Stuffing variations

Let your creativity run wild! Here’s a list of stuffing variations to turn to for inspiration: 

• Spinach and feta stuffed chicken – Substitute the broccoli and cheddar for spinach and feta for a Mediterranean-inspired filling.
• Mushroom and Swiss stuffed chicken – Make the filling with sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese). 
• Hawaiian stuffed chicken – Use diced pineapple, ham, pepper jack cheese, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese) for a savory stuffing with a tropical twist.

How do you prevent the stuffing from falling out?

Avoid making a mess by gently pressing the chicken’s edges together before sealing the seams closed with toothpicks or kitchen twine. Just remember to remove them before serving!

Does this recipe work with chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for stuffed chicken. Chicken thighs are extra moist and flavorful, which can add so much to your meal.

Can you air fry stuffed chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer and spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F and the exterior is golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

What goes well with stuffed chicken?

Cheesy and indulgent stuffed chicken dishes pair well with light and refreshing salads, like my spinach and tomato bulgur salad or baby kale salad. Make a batch of sauteed asparagus or green beans and mashed potatoes to turn this into a hearty and comforting meal. 

Storage

Refrigerator: Store the leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Freezer: Wrap the cooked and cooled stuffed chicken in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. 

Make ahead: Stuff the chicken breasts as instructed, but don’t cook them yet. Instead, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. 

More comforting chicken dinners

If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!

Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast

If you love comfort food, you’ll be head over heels for this Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe! A creamy mix of broccoli, cheddar, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt is stuffed into chicken breasts before they’re seared and baked to perfection.