If you love a dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful filling, you are in for a treat with this Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe. This recipe takes humble chicken breasts to a whole new level by stuffing them with a savory blend of sautéed garlic mushrooms and luscious melted cheeses. The garlic butter adds a wonderful aroma and richness that ties everything together into a comforting yet elegant main course. Whether you are cooking for family or guests, this dish will surely become a favorite go-to that feels both special and surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish unforgettable. From the juicy chicken breasts that provide a hearty base, to the earthy mushrooms and gooey cheeses that create a luscious filling, everything works in harmony.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Your protein foundation that will stay juicy once stuffed and cooked.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or white): Adds great umami and a tender bite after sautéing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For perfectly sautéed mushrooms without sticking.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor both in the pan and on the chicken.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings irresistible savory depth that pairs beautifully with mushrooms.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle kick and fragrant warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb mix that ties the filling together elegantly.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create that cheesy pull inside the chicken.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty punch to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a burst of fresh color and herbaceous brightness at the finish.
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine: To securely seal your stuffed chicken breasts and keep all the delicious filling inside.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mushroom and Cheese Filling
Start by heating olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and garlic, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened and beautifully browned. This step brings out the deep, savory flavor of the mushrooms that will shine in the stuffing. Once cooked, remove the pan from heat, allow the mixture to cool slightly, then stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to make a gooey, irresistible filling.
Step 2: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast — be gentle to avoid cutting all the way through. Then stuff each chicken breast pocket with the mushroom and cheese mixture. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to close the pockets securely, ensuring none of that cheesy goodness escapes during cooking. To season, sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the outside of each chicken breast for a perfectly balanced flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same skillet, then sear each stuffed chicken breast for 2 to 3 minutes on both sides. This step locks in the juices and creates a gorgeous golden crust that adds texture and enhances the overall taste experience.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Next, transfer your skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, move the chicken into a baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is cooked through while maintaining its moisture. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute, keeping every bite tender and flavorful.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken to add a pop of green color and a fresh herbal brightness. The parsley helps cut through the richness and makes every plate look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This stuffed chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its savory flavors. Think roasted garlic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Each side brings its own texture and freshness to balance the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, slice the cooked chicken breasts into thick medallions to showcase the cheesy mushroom filling. Arrange the slices on a platter garnished with extra parsley and a drizzle of garlic butter sauce from the pan. This presentation makes the dish feel elegant and encourages guests to savor every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from this Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe, store them covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals that don’t sacrifice flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked stuffed chicken breasts by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen, they will keep their taste and texture for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftover stuffed chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven to retain the crisp crust and heated filling. Avoid the microwave if possible because it can make the chicken rubbery and the cheese separate. A gentle oven reheat preserves the dish’s delicious texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini or white mushrooms work great, you can experiment with shiitake, portobello, or even chanterelles. Just make sure to finely chop larger mushrooms so they fit nicely inside the chicken pockets.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mushroom and cheese filling in advance and stuff the chicken breasts a few hours before cooking. Keep the stuffed chicken covered in the fridge until ready to sear and bake, which will save you time on busy days.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try substituting the cheeses with vegan alternatives that melt well, and replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free spread. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and comforting.
What wine pairs well with this cheesy garlic butter mushroom stuffed chicken recipe?
A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the buttery garlic and mushrooms beautifully without overpowering the dish. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir would also work nicely.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy and doesn’t dry out?
Be sure not to overcook the chicken. Using a meat thermometer helps you hit exactly 165°F (74°C) for safe but juicy chicken. Also, resting the chicken for 5 minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each bite tender.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly straightforward to make. It brings together textures and rich flavors in a way that’s sure to impress anyone at your table. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a cherished addition to your recipe collection for cozy dinners and special occasions alike.
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Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is an indulgent main course featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a savory mixture of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and melted cheeses. The chicken is first seared to a golden brown on the stovetop before being baked to perfection in the oven, resulting in a tender, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting low-carb dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Stuffing
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or white)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken later.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and browned nicely. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling: Once the mushroom mixture has cooled a bit, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Stuff Chicken Breasts: Carefully cut pockets into each chicken breast, taking care not to slice all the way through. Stuff each pocket generously with the mushroom and cheese mixture. Secure each with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling inside.
- Season Chicken: Lightly season the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on each side for 2–3 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken breasts to the preheated oven, or move the chicken to a baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can prepare the mushroom filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use for added convenience.
- To reduce fat content, use part-skim mozzarella or reduce the amount of cheese used in the stuffing.
- Be careful when cutting pockets into the chicken breasts to ensure you don’t cut all the way through to avoid leakage during cooking.
- Using fresh mushrooms rather than canned will provide the best texture and flavor.
