Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Juicy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crispy chicken breasts with a vibrant broccoli stuffing promise an exciting culinary adventure that defies ordinary dinner expectations.

Cheese and tender florets create a mouthwatering combination inside juicy meat.

Weeknight meals can suddenly feel gourmet with minimal effort.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly to craft something special and satisfying.

Quality protein meets green vegetable goodness in this straightforward recipe.

Herbs and seasonings elevate each bite beyond simple home cooking.

Let you dive into a meal that combines comfort with nutrition and flavor.

Stuffed Chicken Breast Leftovers

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Warm chicken breasts in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and retain moisture. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, rotating halfway through. Stop when chicken is heated evenly to prevent rubbery texture.
  • Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What Goes With Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the creamy, cheesy chicken breast and complement its herbal notes.
  • Elevate with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Create a colorful side of roasted asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers seasoned with olive oil and herbs to add vibrant texture and nutritional balance to the dish.
  • Match with Herb-Infused Quinoa: Prepare quinoa cooked in vegetable broth and tossed with fresh parsley, chives, and a touch of lemon zest to provide a protein-rich, light accompaniment that enhances the chicken's flavors.
  • Refresh with Citrus Salad: Prepare a bright salad mixing mixed greens, orange segments, thinly sliced red onions, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and add a tangy, refreshing element.

Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Healthy Takes

  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace cream cheese with full-fat Greek yogurt and use almond flour instead of traditional cheese for a lower-carbohydrate option that maintains rich flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cheese with nutritional yeast and cashew cream cheese, using dairy-free substitutes that provide similar creamy texture and nutritional benefits.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Transform recipe by using firm tofu or tempeh as chicken replacement, maintaining stuffing technique and seasoning profile for plant-based eaters.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free, using cornstarch or potato starch to help seal chicken pockets securely without traditional wheat-based products.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw and drain it completely, then pat dry to remove excess moisture before mixing with the cheese.

  • Is this recipe suitable for low-carb diets?

Absolutely! This chicken dish is naturally low-carb and fits well with keto and other low-carbohydrate eating plans.

  • How can I ensure the chicken stays moist while baking?

To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C).

  • What cheese alternatives work best if I don't have cheddar?

Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or gouda are excellent substitutes that melt well and provide similar creamy texture and flavor to cheddar cheese.

Broccoli Stuffed Chicken for a Light Yet Satisfying Dinner

  • Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up this dish in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families seeking delicious and nutritious dinner solutions.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack a healthy punch by combining lean protein from chicken with nutrient-rich broccoli and calcium-loaded cheeses for a balanced meal.
  • Impress Without Stress: Create a restaurant-quality dish that looks sophisticated but requires basic cooking skills, making it ideal for home cooks of all levels.

Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides the base for the stuffed dish, best when fresh and boneless.

.

Filling Ingredients:
  • Broccoli, Cheddar Cheese, Cream Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic: Creamy and flavorful mixture that adds nutrition and rich taste to the chicken, fresh broccoli works best and should be finely chopped.
Seasoning and Cooking Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a golden exterior and adds moisture to the chicken.
  • Paprika: Provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor and beautiful color.
  • Italian Seasoning: Offers a blend of herbs that complement the chicken.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile.
  • Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: Helps keep the stuffing secure during cooking.
  • Parchment Paper or Baking Dish: Prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup.

Stuffed Chicken Breast with Broccoli Prep

Step 1: Warm the Cooking Space

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Canvas

Grab your chicken breasts and gently pat them dry with paper towels.

With a sharp knife, create a hidden pocket along the side of each breast.

Be super careful not to slice completely through.

Step 3: Mix the Spectacular Filling

Gather your filling ingredients:
  • Finely chopped broccoli florets
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Soft cream cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Minced garlic

Blend these ingredients in a mixing bowl until they become a creamy, delicious mixture.

Step 4: Transform Chicken with Cheesy Goodness

Carefully spoon the broccoli and cheese blend into each chicken pocket.

Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to seal the edges and keep all that yummy filling inside.

Step 5: Layer on Flavor Magic

Whip up a quick seasoning blend:
  • Olive oil
  • Paprika
  • Italian herb mix
  • Salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper

Brush this flavor-packed mixture generously over the stuffed chicken breasts.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Nestle the chicken into your prepared baking dish.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese looks irresistibly melted and golden.

Step 7: Plate and Celebrate

Pull out the toothpicks or twine.

Serve your masterpiece alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a crisp garden salad.

Dinner just got spectacular!

Easy Stuffing Tips for Broccoli Chicken Breast

  • Swap cheddar and Parmesan with your favorite cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and avoid overcooking, ensuring juicy chicken every time.
  • Replace Italian seasoning with gluten-free herbs and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
  • Prepare stuffed chicken breasts in advance and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking for convenient weeknight dinners.
  • Add diced spinach or chopped bell peppers to the filling for extra nutrition and vibrant color in your stuffed chicken.
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Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe


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4.5 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent broccoli stuffed chicken breast delivers a nutritious powerhouse of flavor and satisfaction. Crisp green florets nestled inside juicy chicken create an elegant meal that promises both protein-packed nutrition and delightful taste you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) broccoli florets, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry and creating a pocket along the side, being careful not to slice completely through the meat.
  2. Create a vibrant filling by blending finely chopped broccoli, creamy cheddar, soft cream cheese, sharp Parmesan, and aromatic minced garlic in a mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
  3. Generously stuff each chicken breast pocket with the rich broccoli and cheese mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed and packed tightly.
  4. Seal the stuffed chicken breasts using toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
  5. Craft a flavorful seasoning blend by whisking together olive oil, smoky paprika, aromatic Italian herbs, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Liberally brush the seasoning mixture over the exterior of the stuffed chicken breasts, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
  7. Position the chicken in a prepared baking dish that has been lightly greased or lined with parchment paper.
  8. Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese becomes molten and golden.
  9. Allow the chicken to rest briefly after removing from the oven, then carefully extract any securing toothpicks or twine.
  10. Plate the succulent stuffed chicken breasts alongside complementary sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a crisp garden salad.

Notes

  • Slice chicken breasts carefully to create a deep pocket without cutting through, ensuring a perfect filling-to-meat ratio.
  • Choose fresh broccoli and grate cheese yourself for maximum flavor and melting potential.
  • Avoid overstuffing chicken breasts to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 405
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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