Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Recipe Details
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 430 kcal per serving
Ingredients
For the Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Topping
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Kitchen Equipment
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Meat mallet
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Toothpicks
Measuring cups and spoons
Aluminum foil
Instant-read thermometer (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound until about ¼ inch thick. Be careful not to tear the meat.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine:
Chopped broccoli
Cream cheese
1½ cups cheddar cheese
Garlic
Italian seasoning
Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Fill the Chicken
Spread an even layer of broccoli cheddar filling over each chicken breast.
Starting from one end, carefully roll each chicken breast tightly.
Secure each roll with toothpicks if necessary.
Step 4: Arrange for Baking
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Place each chicken roll seam-side down.
Brush the tops with olive oil.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over each roll.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
Remove the dish from the oven.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tops.
Return to the oven and bake another 5–8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Rest
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks and slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately.
Cooking Tips
Steam the broccoli for 2 minutes before mixing if you prefer a softer filling.
Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Avoid overfilling the chicken to prevent the filling from leaking.
Letting the chicken rest helps keep the juices inside.
Use an instant-read thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken.
Recipe Variations
Bacon Broccoli Cheddar Roll Ups
Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the filling for extra smoky flavor.
Spicy Version
Mix diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper into the filling.
Low-Carb Version
Skip the cream cheese and use mozzarella for a lighter filling.
Garlic Butter Version
Brush melted garlic butter over the chicken before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Roll Ups pair wonderfully with:
Garlic mashed potatoes
Roasted baby potatoes
Buttered green beans
Caesar salad
Steamed asparagus
Rice pilaf
Roasted carrots
Dinner rolls
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Wrap individual chicken roll ups tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 430 kcal
Protein: 44 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Cholesterol: 145 mg
Sodium: 760 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 2 g
Calcium: 300 mg
Iron: 2 mg
Potassium: 640 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.