Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Season the chicken breasts inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese. Mix until well combined.
Stuff the Chicken:
Spoon an equal amount of the broccoli-cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket.
Secure the openings with toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
Sear the Chicken (optional but adds a nice crust):
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Bake:
If you used an oven-safe skillet, transfer it directly to the preheated oven. Otherwise, place the seared chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve:
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Carefully remove the toothpicks or twine.
Slice and serve warm, perhaps with a side of rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad.
