Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts are the ultimate comfort food. Juicy chicken stuffed with a creamy blend of cheese and broccoli are pan seared then baked to perfection. This recipe will be a family favorite and bonus, it is low-carb and keto friendly!

“Mom, I need meat!” — That’s what I often hear from my 10 year old son when there is a discussion about dinner. The kid loves meat, especially chicken and steak. While he loves meat, vegetables are a struggle (can any other parents relate??) so when I can combine the two food groups and come up with a meal that he’ll happily eat, it’s a win.

This recipe for Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken takes a bit of effort but it is not difficult, I promise. Please do not be intimidated by a stuffed chicken recipe – with a good knife, it is easy to cut a slit into chicken breasts and stuff them with all kind of delicious fillings.

I like to think of this recipe as the ultimate comfort food – it combines wholesome ingredients with an irresistible cheesy blend of goodness that everyone will love! Did I mention it’s low carb and keto friendly too? It’s a win all around. Let’s make it! ❤️Ashley

Ingredients you’ll need for Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken:

To make this stuffed chicken breast recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• boneless skinless chicken breasts
• seasonings: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika
• broccoli – I like to buy frozen steam-in-bag broccoli. This would also be a great recipe to make if you have leftover steamed broccoli on hand.
• cream cheese – softened. It’s best to allow it to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
• sharp cheddar cheese (or any other cheese you’d enjoy – pepper jack or mozzarella are also great options!)
• olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

Here is a brief overview of how to make stuffed chicken breast with broccoli and cheese. Detailed instructions are found below in the recipe card.

1. Preheat the oven.
2. Cook the broccoli then finely chop it. I like to buy frozen steam-in-bag broccoli to keep things simple and easy.
3. Combine the seasonings: in a small bowl combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika.
4. Make the filling: combine softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and finely chopped broccoli.
5. Prepare the chicken – trim any excess fat then use a sharp knife to make a slit in each chicken breast to make room for the filling. See instructions below for how to slit chicken for stuffed chicken breasts.
6. Season – sprinkle the seasoning blend on both sides of the chicken.
7. Stuff the chicken – divide the filling equally among three chicken breasts then use a toothpick to close the slit in the chicken.
8. Sear on the stove – heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken to the pan and sear each side for about 4 minutes.
9. Cover the pan then transfer to the oven – bake for 16-18 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165 degrees.
10. Rest and Serve – allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to Slit Chicken for Stuffed Chicken Breasts

• Start with a sharp knife. A small chef’s knife is my preferred option.
• Place the chicken on a cutting board and pat dry with paper towels.
• Place one hand on the chicken breast to keep it steady.
• Make the slit – carefully insert the blade of the knife into the thickest part of the chicken breasts about halfway down the side then make a slice horizontally into the chicken to make a pocket making sure not to cut through to the other side.
• Stuff the chicken.

The first few times that you slit chicken, it may not be perfect, but with time you will get more confident with the process.

Sides

Chicken stuffed with broccoli and cheese is such an incredible main dish, now let’s talk about the side dishes to pair with it.

1. Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash – either option pairs well with stuffed chicken. Here’s my favorite mashed potato recipe and the best cauliflower mash.
2. Garden Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
3. Grilled Asparagus – yes, there’s broccoli stuffed in the chicken, but another veggie is always welcomed. This Grilled Asparagus recipe is a simple yet elegant side.

Tips for stuffed chicken

The method for this broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breast recipe consists of searing the chicken on the stovetop first, then finishing it in the oven. This method gives you a beautiful seared piece of chicken that’s both tender and juicy — truly the best stuffed chicken breasts! Here are a few tips for success:

• Use an instant read thermometer! The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts. Cooking to temperature instead of a specific time will always provide the best result.
• A sharp knife is needed for making a slit in the chicken. Use toothpicks to secure the chicken closed if needed.

Chicken stuffed with broccoli and cheese – it really doesn’t get much better than that for dinner! If you try this recipe, please let me know what you think, I love to hear from you. Enjoy!