There's nothing like the combination of cheesy, garlicky, and buttery flavors coming together in this irresistible mushroom stuffed chicken. The tender chicken breast, oozing with a creamy, savory filling, is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight indulgence.
This recipe became a household favorite after I experimented with ways to make chicken a little more exciting. The result? A dish that's as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. Let’s dive into the details so you can wow your family or guests tonight.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken
Get ready to elevate your chicken dinner game with this decadent dish. It’s packed with flavor, surprisingly easy to prepare, and delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.
First, the cheesy filling takes this chicken to a whole new level. With gooey mozzarella and creamy Parmesan blended with sautéed garlic mushrooms, each bite is a flavor explosion.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also quick enough for busy nights. You can have this dish prepped and on the table in about 40 minutes, perfect for those last-minute dinner ideas.
Another reason to love this recipe? It's versatile! You can swap ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak more veggies into your meal without anyone complaining.
Finally, the presentation is stunning. Slice into these stuffed chicken breasts, and the melty, cheesy filling creates an impressive visual that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients Notes
The key to this dish is using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Each component contributes to the rich flavors and creamy textures that make this recipe a showstopper.
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which you’ll butterfly to create a pocket for the filling. Look for medium-sized breasts to ensure even cooking.
For the filling, you’ll need fresh mushrooms – cremini or button mushrooms work best. They provide an earthy, umami flavor that complements the creamy cheeses beautifully.
Speaking of cheese, a combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan delivers the perfect balance of gooeyness and sharp, salty notes.
Don’t forget the garlic – its aromatic punch is a must. Freshly minced garlic sautéed with the mushrooms forms the base of the filling, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
Lastly, you’ll need a few pantry staples: butter, olive oil, and seasonings like paprika, salt, and pepper. These help create a golden, flavorful crust on the chicken while locking in its juices.
How To Make This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken
Creating this mouthwatering dish is simpler than it looks. With just a few steps, you’ll have a meal that’s as impressive as it is delicious.
Start by preparing the filling. Sauté the minced garlic in butter until fragrant, then add your diced mushrooms. Cook until they’re golden and have released their juices. Transfer this mixture to a bowl and let it cool slightly before stirring in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Next, prepare the chicken. Butterfly each breast by slicing it horizontally without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket. Season the chicken on both sides with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the chicken breasts generously with the cheesy mushroom filling. Secure them with toothpicks to keep the filling in place while cooking.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a mix of butter and olive oil. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side to create a golden crust.
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender, flavorful result.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though they disappear quickly in my house!), this dish stores beautifully.
For refrigeration, place the cooled stuffed chicken in an airtight container and store it for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making it just as delicious when reheated.
To freeze, wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps the chicken juicy and the filling creamy.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to make adjustments based on your preferences or what’s available in your kitchen.
For a smoky twist, try adding chopped cooked bacon to the filling. The smoky, salty flavor pairs wonderfully with the mushrooms and cheese.
Want to boost the greens? Toss in a handful of chopped spinach or kale into the filling. The heat from the mushrooms will wilt the greens perfectly.
If you prefer a different cheese, swap the mozzarella for provolone or Gouda. These cheeses melt beautifully and add unique flavors to the filling.
To make it lighter, use low-fat cheese or skip the butter in the filling and opt for olive oil instead. The dish will still be rich and satisfying, just with fewer calories.
Experiment with spices to suit your taste. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or a dash of cayenne pepper can add a whole new dimension to the dish.
Now that you’ve got the details, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking. This cheesy garlic butter mushroom stuffed chicken is bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation! Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite.
PrintCheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe
This cheesy garlic butter mushroom stuffed chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts, rich garlic butter, sautéed mushrooms, and melty cheese for a hearty, flavorful dinner. Perfect for family meals or special occasions, this easy stuffed chicken recipe is packed with protein and loaded with flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Sauté mushrooms and garlic until soft and fragrant. Set aside.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the mushroom mixture and mozzarella cheese. Secure with toothpicks.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Add remaining butter to the skillet, then transfer to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a variation in stuffing.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
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