There's something undeniably comforting about the combination of cheese, garlic butter, and mushrooms tucked inside tender, juicy chicken. This recipe for Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken delivers big on flavor while keeping things simple enough for a weeknight meal. The golden, crispy sear and melty cheese center make it an instant family favorite.
I first created this dish on a whim, trying to combine my love of creamy mushrooms and stuffed chicken. Now, it’s a go-to recipe when I want to impress guests or treat my family to a restaurant-quality meal at home. Let’s dive into why this dish is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken
Get ready to make this recipe a staple in your kitchen! From its irresistible flavor to its simple preparation, there’s so much to love about this stuffed chicken recipe.
First, it’s a flavor explosion. Buttery mushrooms, garlic, melty cheese, and perfectly seasoned chicken come together in every bite. The combination feels indulgent, yet it’s made with simple, everyday ingredients.
You’ll also appreciate how quick and easy this dish is to prepare. With just 30 minutes of active cooking time, you’ll have a dinner that looks and tastes like it took hours to make.
This recipe is versatile, too. Pair it with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for a meal that suits any occasion. And if you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), they reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters find it hard to resist the cheesy, garlicky goodness hidden inside this golden-brown chicken.
Ready to make it? Let’s break down the ingredients and what makes them special.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken lies in its simple ingredients, each carefully chosen to balance flavor and texture.
- Chicken Breasts: Choose large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Their size is perfect for stuffing, and they stay juicy when cooked correctly.
- Mushrooms: Baby Bella or cremini mushrooms work best here. Their meaty texture and rich flavor add depth to the dish.
- Cheese: I recommend using mozzarella for its melt factor and Parmesan for its sharp, nutty notes. The combination creates a creamy filling with just the right amount of stretch.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must! It adds a punch of flavor to the buttery mushroom filling and complements the chicken beautifully.
- Butter: Unsalted butter forms the base of the mushroom filling, adding richness and helping to cook the garlic and mushrooms to perfection.
- Herbs and Seasonings: A blend of Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley enhances the dish without overwhelming the star ingredients.
Special Equipment: A sharp knife is crucial for making clean cuts in the chicken breasts to create the perfect pocket for stuffing. If you have toothpicks, they’ll help secure the filling inside the chicken while cooking.
How To Make This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken
Creating this stuffed chicken masterpiece is easier than it looks. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time.
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by carefully slicing each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the inside and outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Make the Filling: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped mushrooms and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, then mix in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the mushroom mixture into each chicken breast, filling it generously. Use toothpicks to seal the opening if needed.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Then transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Finish and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks. Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
The result? Juicy chicken with a gooey, flavorful filling that’s impossible to resist!
Storage Options
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and enjoy your Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken later.
- Refrigerator: Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: To freeze, wrap each stuffed chicken breast in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Swap the Mushrooms: Not a fan of mushrooms? Use spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even sautéed zucchini in the filling.
- Try a Different Cheese: Experiment with Gruyere, Fontina, or provolone for a unique flavor twist.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sprinkle on top for a little heat.
- Go Low-Carb: Serve this dish with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly option.
- Herb Variations: Switch up the seasoning with fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme for a different herbaceous note.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! This recipe is highly adaptable, so you can tweak it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is a true winner. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, it’s a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Try it tonight and see just how delicious stuffed chicken can be!
PrintCheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken recipe is a mouthwatering dish featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy, cheesy mushroom and garlic stuffing. It's perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a skillet, heat butter over medium heat and sauté garlic and mushrooms until soft.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, creating the stuffing mixture.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the mushroom mixture and secure with toothpicks.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken on both sides until golden.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, remove toothpicks, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use spinach or other veggies in the stuffing for added flavor.
- Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
Leave a Reply