Picture tender, juicy chicken breasts, each embracing a cheesy, vibrant bouquet of broccoli and red peppers, then baked to a golden finish. This satisfying Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken transforms simple ingredients into a comforting main—elegant enough for company, yet easy enough for any weeknight.
My Nonna always said that food filled with good ingredients and care could heal the soul. She loved a classic chicken dinner, and while she may never have stuffed her chicken with broccoli and bills of cheese, she would have treasured how rich, flavorful, and homey this dish feels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Show-Stopping Yet Simple – Looks gourmet with minimal effort
Bold Flavors & Clean Eating – Cheese, peppers, and broccoli elevate plain chicken beautifully
Balanced Nutrition – Protein, greens, and a touch of indulgence in one plate
Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Worthy – Great for families or entertaining alike
No-Fuss Prep – A medley of textures and colors in under an hour
Ingredients
Seasoning for Chicken
4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 to 2¼ lb)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Broccoli & Cheese Filling
1½ cups small-diced broccoli florets (~½-inch), blanched and dried
¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
1⅓ cups shredded Colby‑Jack cheese
1½ tablespoons mayonnaise
For Cooking
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep Chicken
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut a 3-inch pouch into each chicken breast, creating a pocket without slicing through. Use your fingers to gently widen it.
2. Season Mix
Combine salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, stir broccoli florets, bell pepper, Colby‑Jack cheese, mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon of seasoning—fold gently to avoid breaking up the broccoli.
4. Stuff the Chicken
Divide the filling evenly among the chicken breasts, filling each pocket. Secure with 2–3 toothpicks to hold the mixture in place.
5. Season the Breast
Sprinkle the remaining seasoning blend over both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts.
6. Sear for Color
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear two breasts at a time for about 3–4 minutes per side, until lightly golden.
7. Bake to Perfection
Return all chicken breasts to the skillet. Cover with foil and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Rest & Serve
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks. Slice gently and serve warm.
Make It Your Own
Swap broccoli for spinach or kale
Add sun-dried tomatoes or pesto to the filling for bold flavor
Use goat cheese or feta instead of Colby‑Jack
Add jalapeños and pepper Jack for heat
Make it gluten-free by checking seasoning and cheese ingredients
Tips for Success
Don’t Overstuff – Avoid tearing the chicken by not overfilling
Sear for Flavor – A quick sear adds depth and keeps juices in
Use a Thermometer – Internal temp should hit 165°F for doneness
Secure Filling – Use toothpicks to prevent the filling from escaping
Chill Filling – Refrigerate for a few minutes if it’s too loose
Serving Suggestions
Serve with roasted potatoes or quinoa
Add a simple arugula or kale salad on the side
Pair with garlic bread or herbed rice
Add lemon wedges or chimichurri for fresh acidity
Serve with steamed green beans or roasted carrots
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days
Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes
Avoid microwave if possible—it can dry the chicken
Freeze unbaked, stuffed breasts individually for meal prep
Thaw overnight in fridge before baking
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is elegant, nourishing, and bursting with flavor—without requiring culinary drama. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or whenever you want a dish that says “you matter”—with every loving bite.
Share Your Stuffed Chicken! #BroccoliCheeseStuffedChicken so we can celebrate your creation together!