Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Delight!

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 25-30 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate (Involves butterflying and stuffing)
Yield: 4 generous servings

Elevate your weeknight dinner from mundane to magnificent with this Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Delight. This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into an impressive, self-contained meal featuring a creamy broccoli and cheddar filling, all wrapped in a crispy, golden Parmesan crust. It’s a comforting, flavor-packed dish that delivers protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness in every single slice.

Why This Recipe is a “Delight”

• The Perfect Texture Contrast: Tender, juicy chicken and a rich, velvety filling are encased in a satisfyingly crunchy, cheesy outer crust.

• Built-In Sauce: The filling doubles as its own luxurious sauce, eliminating the need for extra gravy or sides.

• Endlessly Customizable: Swap the broccoli for spinach, the cheddar for Gouda, or add cooked bacon or ham for your own signature twist.

• Impressive Yet Approachable: While it looks restaurant-worthy, the techniques are simple and foolproof with a little guidance.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken & Crust:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 6-8 oz each)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)

• 1 tsp kosher salt, divided

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs

• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Broccoli Cheddar Filling:

• 2 cups small broccoli florets, finely chopped (about 1 medium crown)

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1 cup (4 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or full-fat sour cream

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Serving (Optional):

• Fresh chopped parsley or chives

• Lemon wedges

• A simple side salad or roasted potatoes

Essential Equipment

• Sharp chef’s knife

• Meat mallet or heavy rolling pin

• Toothpicks or kitchen twine

• Instant-read meat thermometer

• Rimmed baking sheet

• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken (10 minutes)

1. Butterfly the Breasts: Place one chicken breast on a cutting board. Lay your hand flat on top. Using a sharp knife held parallel to the board, slice horizontally into the thickest side, stopping about ½ inch from the opposite edge. Open it up like a book.

2. Pound to an Even Thickness: Place the butterflied breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or heavy pan, gently pound the chicken to an even ¼-inch thickness. Be gentle to avoid tearing. Repeat with remaining breasts.

3. Season: Pat chicken dry. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, ½ tsp of the salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Set aside while you make the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling (10 minutes)

1. Cook the Broccoli: Steam or blanch the chopped broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking, then drain and pat very dry with paper towels. Excess moisture is the enemy of a cohesive filling.

2. Combine: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, onion powder, remaining ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Mix until smooth.

3. Fold: Add the grated cheddar and the thoroughly dried broccoli. Fold together until evenly combined.

Step 3: Stuff & Secure (5 minutes)

1. Assemble: Lay a pounded chicken breast flat. Spoon ¼ of the broccoli-cheddar mixture onto the center of the lower half of the breast, shaping it into a log.

2. Roll: Fold the top half of the chicken over the filling. Carefully roll the chicken from one end to the other, tucking in the sides as you go to create a neat packet.

3. Secure: Use 2-3 toothpicks inserted diagonally to seal the seam. Place seam-side down on a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken and filling.

Step 4: Create the Parmesan Crust & Bake (5 min prep + 25 min bake)

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make Crust: In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.

3. Coat: Roll each secured chicken bundle in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere a thick, even layer on all sides. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and crisp, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding the filling) registers 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest & Serve (5 minutes)

1. Crucial Rest: Remove from oven and let the stuffed chicken rest on the pan for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the filling to set slightly, preventing a messy spill when slicing.

2. Final Touch: Carefully remove the toothpicks. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.

3. Slice & Present: Use a sharp serrated knife to slice each roll crosswise into 1-inch thick medallions, revealing the beautiful swirl of chicken and green-flecked filling. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a bright squeeze of acidity.

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Chef’s Notes & Troubleshooting

• Avoid a Burst Seam: Ensure the chicken is pounded evenly and is not overstuffed. The key is a tight roll and secure sealing with toothpicks.

• Dry Broccoli is Key: Squeeze the blanched broccoli in a clean kitchen towel to remove every bit of moisture. A wet filling will steam and make the crust soggy.

• No Panko? Regular breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds (for a keto version) work well. For extra flavor, toast the breadcrumbs in a dry pan before mixing with the Parmesan.

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the stuffed, unbreaded chicken rolls up to a day ahead. Store covered in the fridge. Add the crust and bake just before serving for the crispiest result.

• Doneness Check: The thermometer is your best friend. 165°F in the chicken ensures it’s safe and juicy. The filling will be hot and creamy.

Nutrition Information (Per serving, one stuffed breast)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients used.

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The Final, Delightful Bite

This Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Delight is the ultimate solution for a dinner that feels special without requiring special skills. It’s a symphony of contrasts: the audible crackle of the Parmesan-panko crust gives way to the succulent, seasoned chicken, which in turn reveals its heart—a lush, comforting core of savory, cheesy broccoli that is both familiar and exciting.