If you’re looking to add a gourmet twist to your dinner rotation, look no further than this Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken recipe. Combining juicy chicken breasts with a savory mushroom and cheese filling, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves rich flavors and indulgent textures. Read on to learn how to make this crowd-pleasing stuffed chicken!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This mushroom stuffed chicken recipe offers:
- A perfect blend of garlicky, buttery flavors with the earthiness of mushrooms and creamy cheese.
- A high-protein, low-carb meal option that feels indulgent without the extra carbs.
- Versatility, as it pairs wonderfully with vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
To make this Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 large chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, sauté the mushrooms and garlic until soft and golden, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Stuff the Chicken: Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. Season the inside with salt and pepper, then stuff with the mushroom-garlic mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, pressing gently to ensure the filling stays in place.
- Season and Sear: Season the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes!
Tips for Success
- Use large chicken breasts for easier stuffing and to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Secure with toothpicks if the filling seems loose before searing.
- Customize the filling by adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or other cheeses like gouda or fontina for a unique twist.
Pairing Suggestions
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken pairs well with:
- Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete, hearty meal.
- A fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Pasta or rice for a comforting, family-friendly dinner option.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 25g
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken recipe is sure to impress your family or dinner guests. With its juicy texture, cheesy filling, and flavorful seasonings, it’s a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for special occasions or a satisfying weeknight meal, this stuffed chicken is bound to become a favorite! Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors in every bite.
Serving and Storage Tips for Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken
Serving Suggestions
- Slicing for Presentation: To showcase the beautiful mushroom and cheese filling, slice the chicken breasts in half before serving. This not only enhances presentation but also allows everyone to see the delicious filling inside.
- Pairing Ideas: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, a side of roasted or steamed vegetables, or even a light Caesar salad. For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Place any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the stuffed, cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven until hot and the cheese is melted.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Preparing in Advance: Assemble the stuffed chicken up to a day ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld and reduces prep time on the day you plan to serve it. Bake when ready to serve for the freshest taste.
These serving and storage tips will help you make the most of this flavorful stuffed chicken, whether you’re preparing it in advance, serving it fresh, or saving it for later!
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can work as a substitute for chicken breasts. However, because thighs are smaller and more challenging to stuff, you may need to use smaller amounts of filling. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs might take slightly less time to cook through.
2. How do I prevent the filling from spilling out while cooking?
To keep the filling secure, don’t overstuff the chicken breasts. After stuffing, you can use toothpicks to hold the edges together, which will help prevent the filling from escaping as the chicken cooks. Just remember to remove the toothpicks before serving!
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the chicken?
The best way to reheat this dish is in the oven at 300°F (150°C) to 325°F (165°C) until warm, covering it with foil to lock in moisture. If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave at 50% power in short intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.
4. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or different cheeses like gouda or feta for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also elevate the taste.
Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is a delicious, flavor-packed dinner! Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a rich mixture of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, herbs, and gooey cheese, then seared to perfection and baked in a buttery garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its savory flavors and melty cheese.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- For the Mushroom Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mushroom Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden brown and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Stir in parsley and Parmesan cheese, then remove the skillet from heat and set aside. - Stuff the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stuff each chicken breast with the mushroom mixture and mozzarella cheese. Secure the opening with toothpicks if necessary. - Sear the Chicken:
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear each side for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the skillet, stirring until fragrant (about 1 minute). Spoon some of the garlic butter over the chicken. - Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. - Serve:
Serve hot with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can also use other cheeses like provolone or gouda for a different flavor.
- Make sure to remove the toothpicks before serving.