Easy Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

I’m always looking for ways to optimize time and spending less time in the kitchen. This broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken is quick and easy and is packed with both protein and veggies! It’s gluten-free and great for a family meal.

Chicken is a staple in our household and I love experimenting with new and exciting ways to serve or incorporate it into meals! Broccoli cheddar soup is one of my favorites, so what better way to elevate a summer staple than broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken? 

Summertime means I am constantly in different directions taking the kids to camp, enjoying the weather, and trying to add in some fun activities along the way. I love this recipe because not only is it easy to prepare, but you can even make it ahead of time and pop it into the oven when you are ready to eat. If you don’t want to have to think about cooking after a long day at the beach, park, or pool, you can still have a home cooked meal by preparing this in advance. 

This broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken recipe uses four main ingredients: chicken, broccoli, cheese, and cream cheese. The cream cheese is a perfect and tasty touch to put it all together and make it the ideal savory dish.

This meal is so versatile and sometimes I even throw some extra veggies in there for the kids. Spinach is a great addition for added nutrients as well as some mushrooms or even sundried tomatoes. 

Let me know if you try this recipe! I cannot wait to hear what you think.

What ingredients you need to make this broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken:

• Chicken breasts– these will be sliced in half so they should be thick
• Broccoli– you can leave 1 inch of stem for extra nutrients, these will be cooked and then cut into pea sized pieces
• Shredded cheddar cheese– you can use any type of cheddar (sharp, mild, etc.) or dairy free cheddar if you prefer
• Cream cheese– room temp as this will allow it to be easily spread with the other ingredients into the filling
• Garlic powder– I use garlic powder to season the chicken but you can add additional spices how you wish
• Cumin – another great spice to season the chicken
• Olive oil– I prefer extra virgin as it is the most rich in taste

How to make this broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl then add 2 tablespoons water. Cover the bowl (a large plate works best) then microwave the broccoli for 2 minutes. Remove the broccoli from the microwave and drain it very well.
3. Chop the broccoli into small, pea-sized pieces
4. In a large bowl, add the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, salt and black pepper. Stir until well-combined. Then add in the broccoli.
5. Arrange the chicken breasts on a cutting board, and using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through to the other side.
6. Divide the broccoli mixture among the chicken breasts, pressing it firmly into each pocket.
7. Season the outsides of the chicken breasts on both sides with spices
8. Warm a large oven-safe skillet with oil (use two skillets if needed!)
9. Once the oil is hot, add two chicken breasts to each pan. Sear the chicken for 3 minutes on one side then flip it once and sear an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
10. Transfer the skillet to the oven and continue cooking the chicken breasts until the thickest part of each breast reaches 165°F, 10 to 15 minutes.
11. Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and serve.

FAQs and tips on making broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken:

• Do I need to steam the broccoli? Yes! It’s important to steam the broccoli because it provides the texture needed for the filling. Steaming the broccoli also helps keep the nutrients versus boiling it instead.
• Can you make this dairy free? In this recipe, I used dairy ingredients (regular cheese and cream cheese) but you can use dairy free if you prefer.
• Can I add more broccoli or veggies? Sure! I’m always looking at how to add more veggies to my meals. The ratios in the recipe are suggested, however if you want to add more broccoli, it will not be as creamy.
• Do I need to use boneless chicken breasts? Yes, the boneless chicken breasts will be sliced to hold the filling and they make this recipe easy to cook and enjoy 
• What can I serve with broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken? You can’t go wrong with sides for this dish! Here are some of my favorites to pair with the broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken: garlic bread, veggie rice pilaf, or a classic caesar salad.

A few other broccoli cheddar dishes to try:

One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rice

Delish Broccoli Cheddar Meatballs (gluten-free)

Broccoli Cheddar Fritters (gluten-free)

Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Cups

Gluten-free Broccoli Cheddar Biscuits