Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken (Print Version)
Chicken breasts stuffed with broccoli, cheddar and cream cheese, baked until juicy with a golden, bubbling filling.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Filling
07 - 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
08 - 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
09 - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
10 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - 1 garlic clove, minced
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a light layer of oil.
02 - In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
03 - Pat chicken breasts dry. With a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each breast, ensuring not to slice all the way through.
04 - Brush each chicken breast with olive oil, ensuring even coverage inside and out, then rub with the prepared seasoning blend.
05 - Combine chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl. Stir until well blended.
06 - Spoon the broccoli-cheese mixture into each chicken pocket. Secure with toothpicks if necessary to retain the filling.
07 - Place filled chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until chicken is thoroughly cooked and cheese is melted and bubbling. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
08 - Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You get that melty, cheesy bite without the heaviness of classic casseroles.
- Clean-up is a breeze because everything bakes together on one sheet.
02 -
- If you cut the pocket too deep, your filling will escape — aim for a side slit that leaves plenty of room.
- Waiting those five minutes before slicing makes the cheese stay put and tastes so much better.
03 -
- If you mix the filling while the cream cheese is slightly warm, it spreads easier and fills each pocket more evenly.
- A light sprinkle of paprika on top before baking gives gorgeous color and a little flavor boost.