Rating: 3.85
(103)

Broccoli-Stuffed Chicken

January 3, 2025

Broccoli-stuffed chicken is a wholesome, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a delicious filling of sautéed broccoli, cheese, and seasonings. This dish is not only packed with nutrients but also delivers a satisfying, comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The crispy, golden-brown chicken exterior contrasts beautifully with the creamy, savory filling, making every bite a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

To make broccoli-stuffed chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are first pounded thin to create an even surface for the stuffing. The filling typically consists of steamed or sautéed broccoli, garlic, and a mix of cheeses such as cream cheese, shredded cheddar, or mozzarella. Some recipes also add a bit of grated Parmesan for extra flavor. The broccoli is chopped finely and mixed with the cheese, along with a pinch of salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or oregano to elevate the taste.

Once the filling is prepared, a pocket is carefully cut into the chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through. The filling is spooned into the pocket, and the chicken is then secured with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the stuffing inside. The chicken is seasoned with a little more salt, pepper, and any desired spices before being seared in a hot pan with a bit of olive oil or butter. This step helps to develop a golden, crispy exterior.

After searing, the chicken is transferred to the oven to finish cooking, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through and the filling is warm and melty. The result is a beautifully stuffed chicken breast with a creamy broccoli filling inside.

Broccoli-stuffed chicken is delicious on its own or paired with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. It’s a nutritious, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare yet feels special enough for a dinner party. The combination of tender chicken and a rich, cheesy broccoli filling makes this dish a favorite in many households, offering a satisfying way to enjoy both protein and vegetables in one bite.

Broccoli-Stuffed Chicken
Broccoli-Stuffed Chicken
3.85 from 103 votes
A deliciously tender and flavorful chicken breast stuffed with a mixture of broccoli and cheese, perfect for a healthy dinner option.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 piece chicken breast boneless and skinless
  • 1/2 cup broccoli chopped
  • 1/4 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a small bowl, mix chopped broccoli and cheddar cheese.
  • Slice the chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  • Stuff the broccoli and cheese mixture into the pocket of the chicken breast.
  • Season the outside of the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Place the stuffed chicken breast in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 40gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 8mg
Calories: 350kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: chicken, healthydinner, stuffed
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar jed.reilly93 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t like broccoli or cheese. What can I put instead? Seems a bit weird to me.

    1. User avatar tomas.ondricka10 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, isn’t it kinda the point to stuff it with broccoli and cheese? Just put in some other veggies I guess.

    2. User avatar dee.thompson says:

      5 stars
      You could try using spinach and feta instead. That combo is really good and less weird!

  2. 3 stars
    I tried it but couldn’t really taste the broccoli. Might add more cheese next time. It was ok.

  3. User avatar ardis.bode67 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is a total game changer! My family loved it and it was super easy to make. Definitely a keeper! 👍

    1. User avatar eliana.hessel98 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you loved it! This recipe really is simple and tasty. Going to try it myself soon! 😊

  4. User avatar valery.veum61 says:

    4 stars
    I followed it exactly and it was tasty, but 25 minutes wasn’t enough for my chicken breast (thicker than average). I had to bake longer—just watch your temp!

  5. User avatar jeramy.russel says:

    4 stars
    Used no cheese cause I’m lactose intolerant. Still yummy tho!

  6. User avatar levi.larkin86 says:

    4 stars
    I was skeptical about the broccoli being too “watery,” but it came out fine. Next time I’ll squeeze the broccoli a little or use smaller pieces so it’s more even.

  7. User avatar liberal.hero says:

    3 stars
    What do I do if I don’t have cheddar? Can I use mozzarella instead?

  8. User avatar fae.predovic says:

    3 stars
    Easy recipe, but my chicken came out a little dry. Could use some more seasoning.

  9. User avatar rogelio.kub58 says:

    2 stars
    Why do you stuff chicken? Why not just grill it? Seems like a lot of work for not much…

    1. 5 stars
      Stuffing chicken adds flavor and moisture, plus it’s not hard! Give it a shot! 😊

  10. User avatar brittanie.bahringer says:

    5 stars
    This was amazing! The cheese and broccoli really made it special. Will definitely make again!

    1. User avatar rodrick.hermann says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! The cheese really does add a nice flavor, doesn’t it? I’m definitely trying this recipe too!

  11. 5 stars
    Made this tonight—super simple and the cheddar + broccoli combo was actually really good. I let it bake closer to 30 minutes and it was juicy. Will do again!

    1. User avatar raymond.jaskolski45 says:

      4 stars
      30 minutes makes sense. Mine always takes closer to the high end too. I’ve started checking for doneness with a thermometer and it’s way less stressful.

    2. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

      5 stars
      Yes! That cheddar + broccoli combo is secretly the best part 😄 Glad you baked a bit longer too—juicy chicken is the goal!

  12. User avatar buena.batz14 says:

    4 stars
    I tried this recipe and my kids actually ate broccoli! Miracle! 😂

  13. 1 star
    DID NOT WORK FOR ME! Chicken got dry and broccoli was weird. Never again.

  14. User avatar rob.hackett54 says:

    4 stars
    lol, my chicken started to burn but I just kept adding more cheese! 😂

  15. User avatar florance.feest says:

    5 stars
    Yummy! My kids loved it! Even the picky eater ate it all! 😂

  16. 5 stars
    I love this! So quick and simple. Perfect for busy nights!

    1. User avatar Loura Pollich says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! This recipe is a lifesaver for those hectic evenings. Delicious and nutritious!

  17. User avatar whitney.lueilwitz34 says:

    4 stars
    Chicken good! Me like it. 😂

  18. User avatar Chris Smith says:

    5 stars
    Yum!

    1. User avatar tracee.hane53 says:

      5 stars
      I’ve tried this recipe and it’s amazing! My family loved it too. Definitely a keeper! 😊

  19. User avatar Kenny Dewitt says:

    5 stars
    Love broccoli, love chicken, so didn’t think twice before trying this. So good!

    1. User avatar kenton.romaguera88 says:

      5 stars
      This sounds delicious! I love how simple it is. Can’t wait to try it. 😍

    2. User avatar lesley.littel35 says:

      2 stars
      Really? Broccoli and chicken? I don’t know about that mix. Looks weird.

  20. User avatar cedric.yost2022 says:

    2 stars
    It’s too complicated for a weeknight dinner. I just wanted something quick, not all this slicing and stuffing.

    1. 4 stars
      I get it, weeknights can be hectic! But this recipe is actually pretty quick once you get the hang of it. Maybe try it on a weekend when you have more time?

  21. User avatar heriberto.connelly1971 says:

    5 stars
    so good!! gonna make this again for sure!!!

    1. User avatar emory.veum says:

      2 stars
      Are you sure it’s that good? It seems kinda simple… I dunno.

    2. User avatar nichol.mayer96 says:

      5 stars
      I made this last night and it was amazing! The cheese melted perfectly. Yum!

  22. User avatar Ms. Shenna Casper says:

    2 stars
    Not sure why everyone loves this. It was just chicken… 😕

  23. User avatar clark.buckridge says:

    4 stars
    Pretty good overall. I wish the directions said how to tell when it’s done (like internal temp). I pulled mine a little early and it was a bit dry, but the flavor was still there.

  24. User avatar lavinia.mcclure says:

    2 stars
    Does anyone else think this recipe is missing something? Like, maybe lemon?

  25. 5 stars
    This was such a hit with my family! Juicy and full of flavor. Will definitely make again.

  26. User avatar kristopher.nitzsche says:

    2 stars
    375°F seems low? I cooked similar stuff at 400 and it was better. This one was a little dry on the outside, but the inside was decent.

  27. 4 stars
    I don’t like broccoli, so I just put some spinach instead. Still turned out good.

  28. User avatar marvin.adams says:

    4 stars
    I’m skeptical about 25 minutes for a chicken breast pocket… Mine took closer to 40. Flavor was good though—just adjust for thickness.

    1. User avatar Madam Aroma says:

      4 stars
      I tried it as written and mine was done right around 27 minutes, but my breasts were thin. If yours are thicker, yeah 25 min is optimistic.

    2. User avatar eli.prohaska49 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree—my chicken breast took way longer too. I’m guessing thickness is the real variable here. Next time I’ll bake closer to 35–40 and rely on temp, not the clock.

  29. User avatar tomasa.hill says:

    4 stars
    I hate broccoli, but I gave this a shot. Tasted pretty good! Who knew?

  30. User avatar leonardo.boyer says:

    4 stars
    Easy and way better than boring baked chicken. I used more broccoli because… I like vegetables. Next time I’ll probably add a pinch of paprika.

  31. User avatar Kamilah Bechtelar says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know… it was good but kinda bland. Needs more seasoning.

    1. User avatar casie.roberts35 says:

      4 stars
      Maybe try adding some paprika or cayenne pepper next time? It could spice it up a bit!

  32. 5 stars
    This turned out super juicy—didn’t expect broccoli to work so well inside chicken. I added a tiny squeeze of lemon at the end and it tasted fancy.

    1. 5 stars
      Totally agree—broccoli in chicken is such a surprise win. The cheddar help makes it so rich, and that little lemon squeeze at the end sounds amazing!

    2. User avatar Colin the Security Robot says:

      3 stars
      Wait, broccoli inside chicken? I’m skeptical it won’t get mushy by 25-30 minutes… but I guess if it’s chopped small it could work. Did you cover it in foil or just bake uncovered?

  33. User avatar winnie.kunze says:

    3 stars
    I tried it with frozen broccoli and it was watery. Maybe thaw it first? Otherwise, not bad. 375 is a good temp.

  34. User avatar nam.rogahn95 says:

    3 stars
    How does the cheese not melt out? Seems like it would just leak everywhere. I might try anyway.

  35. User avatar christiane.yost2017 says:

    2 stars
    I tried it once and the chicken tasted “watery” somehow? Maybe my broccoli was too wet. Also, who measures salt like that—”to taste” is stressful lol.

  36. 4 stars
    I did this recipe but switched broccoli for spinach. was great!

  37. 3 stars
    Not bad. The pocket-cut step was kind of stressful—like, I kept worrying I’d slice all the way through. Still came out edible.

  38. User avatar Beverly A Rakowski says:

    5 stars
    Can this be cooked in an air fryer? If so, for how long? It sounds really good and it’s perfect because I’m cooking for just me.

    1. User avatar shon.walsh says:

      5 stars
      Yes, you can cook it in an air fryer! I’d suggest about 15-20 minutes at 375°F. Just check it to make sure the chicken is cooked through!

  39. User avatar tomas.kris25 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t have garlic powder, can I just use fresh garlic? Will it work the same?

    1. User avatar lizzette.blick says:

      3 stars
      I don’t think it will taste the same. Fresh garlic is strong and might change the flavor a bit. You sure about this?

    2. User avatar hayden.mayer27 says:

      5 stars
      Yes, you can use fresh garlic instead! Just mince it finely and use a little more since it’s less potent than garlic powder. Should work great!

  40. User avatar tyler.haag83 says:

    3 stars
    I thought you were supposed to cook the broccoli first?? Seems sketchy, but it turned out good I guess.

3.85 from 103 votes
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