If you’re craving a comforting dinner that brings together melty cheese, savory garlic, and earthy mushrooms all nestled inside tender chicken breasts, then this Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to. With every bite, you get a perfect harmony of creamy textures and bold flavors wrapped in juicy chicken, making it an unforgettable meal that feels both indulgent and homey. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish is as satisfying as it is simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is key to nailing this dish. Each one plays its part, from the richness of the cheeses to the fresh herb notes that brighten up the hearty chicken and mushroom combination, making the whole recipe truly sing.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for stuffing, tender and juicy when cooked right.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a lovely depth and helps achieve that golden sear.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings rich, creamy undertones that complement the garlic and mushrooms beautifully.
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced: Earthy flavor and meaty texture that fill the chicken pockets with savory goodness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with fragrant, aromatic warmth you’ll love.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened: Creates a luscious, creamy base for the stuffing mixture.
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly, adding a gooey, stringy texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty finish to elevate the filling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together harmoniously.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A subtle herb that enhances the overall earthiness of the mushrooms and chicken.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness as a garnish.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Mushrooms
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to have it ready for baking. Then, heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they turn soft and develop that wonderful browned goodness that packs so much flavor.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Melt the Cheeses
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for just one minute so it releases that incredible aroma without burning. Stir in the cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until all the cheeses melt into a creamy, irresistible filling. Once combined, remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to slice all the way through. This little pocket is where your cheesy mushroom mixture is going to shine, creating the star of this recipe.
Step 4: Stuff and Sear the Chicken
Fill each chicken breast pocket with the lovely cheesy mushroom mixture you prepared earlier. Then heat a touch more olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat and sear each stuffed chicken breast for 2 to 3 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and gives those chicken breasts a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Juicy and Fully Cooked
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and place them in your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring a perfectly cooked, juicy result every time.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing off this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only adds a burst of vibrant color but also introduces a subtle freshness that complements the richness of the cheese and garlic butter mushroom stuffing so well.
Side Dishes
For the perfect pairing, serve this chicken with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. These sides balance the rich flavors while adding texture and variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, slice the stuffed chicken at an angle to reveal the cheesy mushroom center, then fan the slices on a plate. Drizzle with any pan juices or a light garlic butter sauce for an eye-catching presentation that tastes as good as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers just as enjoyable.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed, uncooked chicken breasts by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight before cooking for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the chicken moist and the cheese melty. Microwaving is quick but might dry out the meat a bit, so keep an eye on it.
FAQs
Can I use different types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white button mushrooms are common, you can mix in cremini or shiitake mushrooms for deeper, earthier flavors that enhance the stuffing even more.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe fits nicely into a keto diet since it’s low in carbs and rich in protein and healthy fats.
Can I prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely. You can stuff the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before searing and baking, perfect for meal prepping or saving time on busy days.
What’s the best cheese to use if I don’t have cream cheese?
Cream cheese brings a creamy texture, but you can substitute ricotta or mascarpone for a slightly different, yet still luscious, filling.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), keeping the chicken juicy and safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe is hands down one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Give it a try, and I promise your taste buds will thank you!
Print
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
Description
A delicious and comforting recipe featuring boneless chicken breasts stuffed with a rich mixture of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The chicken breasts are seared for a golden crust then baked to juicy perfection, making this dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing mushrooms)
- 1 additional tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
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
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken later.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they are softened and nicely browned.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Make Cheese Mixture: Mix in the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheeses melt and everything combines into a creamy stuffing. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken Pockets: Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through, creating space to stuff the chicken.
- Stuff Chicken: Fill each chicken breast pocket generously with the cheesy mushroom mixture.
- Sear Chicken: Heat additional olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown, developing a flavorful crust.
- Bake: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure to not cut all the way through the chicken breasts when creating pockets to keep the stuffing inside during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken breasts reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you prefer, substitute fresh thyme for dried thyme for a fresher herb flavor.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheeses and less butter.
- Leftover stuffed chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
