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    Home » Recipes » Poultry

    Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

    Published: May 27, 2018 · Modified: May 24, 2023 by Heather · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 967 words. · About 5 minutes to read this article.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken is a family-friendly meal made with butterflied chicken breasts stuffed with broccoli and cheese. They're pan-fried for a nice sear then finished in the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights!

    Chicken breasts in a cast iron pan stuffed with broccoli and cheese.

    Broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation. This stuffed chicken can't be easier because it's made in a single pan and ready in about 30 minutes.

    Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lightly seasoned and seared on the outside. They're stuffed with gooey cheddar cheese and broccoli, then finished in the oven.

    Serve with a strawberry spinach salad or green beans and onions for a complete meal.

    Ingredients and substitutions

    A white serving plate with chicken.
    • Chicken - Stuffed chicken is prepared with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You'll need four single serving chicken breasts, or two large chicken breasts. If using two large chicken breasts, they'll take longer to cook and can be easily sliced in half to feed two.
    • Mayonnaise - Readers have substituted the mayonnaise with cream cheese with success. 
    • Broccoli - Your broccoli should be chopped into small pieces for easy stuffing. Fresh or frozen broccoli will work in this recipe. However, if using frozen broccoli, it needs to be thawed first. Frozen broccoli releases water as it thaws and can make the cheese filling watery.
    • Cheese - Any freshly grated cheese can be used inside your chicken - gruyere or monterey jack are great choices, but avoid packaged pre-shredded cheese as it does not melt well due to the anti-clumping starches that it's usually coated with.
    • Seasoning - Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika add a light, savory flavor to your chicken.
    • Olive oil - Can be substituted with any cooking oil you have on hand.

    Cast iron skillet

    I recommend using a cast iron skillet or a stainless steel, oven-safe skillet for this recipe (make sure your skillet doesn't have a plastic coated handle, for example).

    Don't have a cast iron or stainless steel pan? After searing on the stovetop, transfer your chicken to any oven-safe dish to finish in the oven.

    Chicken filled with broccoli and melted cheddar cheese.

    Chicken breast size and thickness

    If you are using very large, thick chicken breasts, you may need to pound them thinner to cook within the times in the recipe card.

    For this recipe, you'll want to pound your chicken breasts to about 1 inch thickness, then butterfly and stuff with your filling. If you don't want to pound your chicken beasts thinner, expect to add a few minutes to the cooking time. 

    If your chicken breasts are extremely large, you may be able to split one chicken breast between two servings. Stuff the same quantity of filling between two large chicken breasts instead of four smaller breasts. 

    How to pound chicken thin

    Place chicken breasts onto a sheet of plastic wrap or wax paper, then top with another piece of plastic wrap or wax paper. Gently pound using a mallet or wooden rolling pin to about 1 inch thickness.

    Then, butterfly your chicken breasts by slicing in half lengthwise, leaving the opposite side intact, like a book.

    Cooking time

    How long you cook stuffed chicken depends on the size and thickness of your chicken. Because of this, I highly recommend using an instant-read thermometer to test your chicken for doneness. Chicken is cooked through and safe to eat at 165 degrees Fahrenheit and begins to dry out when cooked beyond that point.

    What to serve with stuffed chicken

    Broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken can be served with a variety of sides, from steamed rice to a side salad, to create a complete meal. Here are a few of our favorite side ideas:

    • Creamy stovetop mac and cheese
    • Roasted potato arugula salad
    • Ranch roasted potatoes
    • Roasted zucchini and squash
    • Lemon parmesan asparagus

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    📖 Recipe

    Chicken breasts in a cast iron pan stuffed with broccoli and cheese.
    Print Recipe
    4.83 from 29 reviews

    Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

    Broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken is a family-friendly meal made with butterflied chicken breasts stuffed with broccoli and cheese. They're pan-fried for a nice sear, then finished in the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights!
    Prep Time10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time21 minutes minutes
    Total Time31 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 333kcal
    Author: Heather

    Ingredients

    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon paprika
    • 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
    • ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
    • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Butterfly your chicken breasts: hold your hand on top of the chicken breast and slice into the side of the chicken breast, cutting from one side to the other, leaving the opposite side intact. Your goal is to create a pocket for your filling. If needed, pound chicken breasts to create even thickness. Entire breast (closed) should be about 1 inch in thickness.
    • Season chicken breasts inside and out with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. 
    • In a bowl, combine chopped broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. Stuff broccoli mixture into chicken, using a toothpick to hold closed if needed. 
    • In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Add stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they're browned and release easily from the pan.
    • Transfer skillet to oven to finish cooking for anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the center. Baking time depends entirely on how thick your chicken breasts are, so I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
    • Remove from oven and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

    Equipment Recommendations

    • Lodge Cast Iron Skillet - 12 inch
    • ThermaPro Dual Probe Meat Thermometer
    • 12 Inch Stainless Steel Tongs
    • Zwilling Pro Chef's Knife

    Notes

    • Sharp cheddar can be substituted with your favorite cheese - gruyere or monterey jack are great choices.
    • Fresh broccoli can be substituted with frozen broccoli, but it needs to be thawed first. Frozen broccoli releases water as it thaws and can make the cheese filling watery.
    • If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer chicken to an oven-safe baking dish before baking.

    Nutrition Estimate

    Serving: 1chicken breast | Calories: 333kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 460mg | Potassium: 510mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 450IU | Vitamin C: 21.6mg | Calcium: 169mg | Iron: 0.7mg
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American

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    1. Tina

      April 18, 2023 at 7:26 pm

      Amazing recipe! I needed a quick dinner, so used what I had on hand. Substituted a half of a boursin cheese (garlic and herb) for the mayo plus about 1/3 cup of a mozzarella and cheddar mix. I only added 1/2 cup of broccoli into the stuffing mix, because the chicken breasts were pretty small. After stuffing and pan searing, I placed in a baking dish and surrounded by remainder of the broccoli plus some carrots. Sprinkled with Parmesan. Air fried in oven at 375 degrees for 20 mins. Rested 5 mins before serving. This one’s a keeper! Ideal recipe for prepping early and leaving in refrigerator until meal time. Quick sear and into the oven!

      Reply
    2. Michelle W

      August 24, 2022 at 8:40 am

      I made this last night!!! It was amazing. I had frozen broccoli I let defrost before chopping smaller, a mozzarella provolone shredded cheese blend, and I used cream cheese. My 15yo son loved it! My younger boys don't really do broccoli (the youngest does but if big brothers say eww he's out) so they had pepperoni and mozzarella stuffed chicken breast. Out of 5 large breasts only 1/2 of one was left over and that was my 1/2. You know portion control and all...🤷

      Reply
      • Michelle W

        August 24, 2022 at 8:45 am

        Oh I used American cheese too. Little pieces mixed with cream cheese, broccoli, and shredded cheese. I also put 1/2 a slice on each side of the split chicken breast.

        Reply
    3. Leigh

      February 16, 2022 at 11:51 pm

      This was a last min meal for us so I changed a few things. I had no Broccoli so I used Mushrooms instead and I used Garlic salt instead of Garlic powder and reg salt!! and for the left overs I had deglazed the pan with butter .. I cut up the chicken into pieces and added more cheese and garlic salt then added 1 can of cream of mushroom soup!!

      Reply
    4. Michelle

      October 28, 2021 at 5:55 pm

      Can I use ricotta cheese in place of the mayonnaise

      Reply
      • Heather

        October 28, 2021 at 6:40 pm

        I haven't tried it myself, but I bet ricotta cheese would work.

        Reply
    5. Chef Chumley

      September 24, 2021 at 9:55 pm

      OMG Fabulous!

      Reply
    6. Monica Harmon

      April 07, 2020 at 3:44 pm

      I'm trying this recipe today.😃🤗

      Reply
    7. Traci Kenworth

      April 01, 2020 at 4:43 pm

      Looks delish!

      Reply
    8. Morgan

      January 30, 2019 at 1:21 pm

      Can you use frozen broccoli ?

      Reply
      • Heather

        January 30, 2019 at 2:42 pm

        I don't think frozen broccoli would have time to cook through inside the chicken. I'd suggest thawing beforehand. The microwaveable steamed bags of broccoli may be a good choice!

        Reply
        • Jeramiah hernandez

          June 24, 2019 at 9:50 pm

          Hey so I have shredded mosserela cheese do you think the taste will be some what amusing...I'm 14 and is learning to cook!!

          Reply
          • Heather

            June 24, 2019 at 9:57 pm

            Hi Jeramiah I think mozzarella cheese would also work! Let us know how it turns out 😀

            Reply
            • Jennifer Legge

              September 24, 2019 at 7:36 pm

              I'm going to try with a veggie cream cheese. I'll let you know how it turns out!

        • Kelly Andersen

          November 01, 2021 at 7:18 pm

          Use frozen steam in bag and it will chop up beautifully

          Reply
    9. Krystal Gore

      January 25, 2019 at 2:36 pm

      What can you use if you dont have a cast iron skillet?

      Reply
      • Heather

        January 25, 2019 at 2:39 pm

        You can use any skillet you have on hand! If it's not oven safe, transfer the chicken to an oven safe dish before baking.

        Reply
    10. Rosanne Lanigan

      January 22, 2019 at 9:55 am

      I want to make this , do you sear the chicken already stuffed? Or do you stuff it before putting in oven?

      Reply
      • Heather

        January 22, 2019 at 9:57 am

        Hi Rosanne! I stuff the chicken breasts, then sear, then move straight into the oven.

        Reply
    11. Jill Malone

      January 20, 2019 at 8:19 pm

      No comment, just wanted to be on your email list.

      Reply
      • Heather

        January 20, 2019 at 8:21 pm

        Welcome, Jill! You can sign up for our email list here: https://thetoastykitchen.com/subscribe

        Reply
    12. Danielle

      November 15, 2018 at 12:29 pm

      Can u substitute mayo for something else?

      Reply
      • Heather

        November 15, 2018 at 12:37 pm

        Hi Danielle! The mayo adds a bit of creaminess to the filling, so I'd suggest maybe cream cheese or sour cream (but I haven't tried these yet myself). You can also omit it entirely and the recipe will turn out fine 🙂

        Reply
        • K sell

          November 17, 2018 at 3:56 pm

          I used avacado oil mayo, or you could use olive oil mayo. Great taste and better for you.

          Reply
          • Heather

            November 17, 2018 at 4:00 pm

            Great idea, thanks for sharing!

            Reply
      • Jennifer A Steele

        June 21, 2021 at 2:44 pm

        I use whipped cream cheese

        Reply
    13. chris keylon

      July 27, 2018 at 11:00 pm

      Do you use cooked broccoli to stuff in chicken, or uncooked?

      Reply
      • Heather

        July 27, 2018 at 11:36 pm

        I used fresh, uncooked broccoli.

        Reply
    14. Traci Ethridge

      June 02, 2018 at 8:59 pm

      Is the broccoli fresh or frozen?

      Reply
      • Heather

        June 02, 2018 at 9:15 pm

        I used fresh broccoli 😊

        Reply

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    Heather of The Toasty Kitchen

    Hi, I'm Heather of The Toasty Kitchen. I love cooking with real, unfussy ingredients, and I want to help you make homemade meals with ease.

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