Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts packed with a rich, flavorful mixture of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and three cheeses. The chicken is first seared to a golden brown on the stovetop, then baked to perfection, resulting in a satisfying and elegant dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for searing)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Stuffing
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken after searing.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are softened and nicely browned, which brings out their savory flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
- Make Cheese Mixture: Stir in cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the mushroom mixture. Cook until all the cheeses melt and combine well. Remove the mixture from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without slicing all the way through, creating a cavity for the stuffing.
- Stuff Chicken: Fill each chicken breast pocket generously with the cheesy mushroom mixture, pressing gently to keep the filling inside.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a bit more olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust, which locks in juices and adds depth of flavor.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the seared stuffed chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness, and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- To check doneness, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F (74°C).
- Feel free to swap out mozzarella for cheddar or another favorite melting cheese if desired.
- For an extra crispy crust, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after baking but watch closely to prevent burning.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese beforehand to ensure it blends smoothly into the stuffing mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
