If you’re searching for a show-stopping yet comforting meal, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. It’s packed with juicy chicken breasts filled with a luscious combination of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and rich cheeses that melt together beautifully, making every bite indulgent and bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe brings warmth and deliciousness to the table, guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but come together to create layers of flavor, texture, and beautiful golden color in this dish. Each component plays a vital role— from the tender chicken breasts to the earthy mushrooms and gooey cheeses combining for that irresistible filling.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These serve as the perfect vessel to hold our delightful stuffing while staying tender and juicy.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or white): Adds a savory, earthy note that complements the richness of the cheese and butter.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing mushrooms to bring out their deep, caramelized flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Gives a velvety richness and helps brown the chicken to perfection.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic warmth and depth to both the stuffing and the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers gentle heat and spice to brighten the taste.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a herby, fragrant note that pairs beautifully with mushrooms and cheese.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly inside, creating that gooey, cheesy center everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty edge that turns the stuffing from simply good to absolutely irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Freshens and adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness for garnish.
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine: Essential for securing the chicken breasts and keeping the stuffing intact while cooking.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
Start by heating olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let everything cook until the mushrooms soften and caramelize slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step unlocks their natural umami flavor and adds a deeply savory base for the cheesy stuffing.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mushroom mixture cool just enough to handle safely. Then stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. These two cheeses blend to create a creamy, melty filling with layers of salty, nutty goodness that are absolutely addictive.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Carefully create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, taking caution not to cut all the way through. Stuff each pocket generously with the mushroom and cheese mixture. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure each breast so none of that glorious filling escapes during cooking.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Season the outside of the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat and sear each stuffed chicken breast for 2 to 3 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown. This browning step locks in juices and adds a satisfyingly crispy exterior.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C), or move the chicken to a baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Give the juicy stuffed chickens a brief rest for 5 minutes before serving—this lets all the flavors settle and ensures maximum tenderness.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken just before serving. This adds a lovely fresh contrast to the rich, buttery filling, brightening the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This stuffed chicken pairs beautifully with simple yet elegant sides like garlic mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, or roasted seasonal vegetables. These accompaniments provide balance and let the chicken remain the star of your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, slice the stuffed chicken breasts into medallions to show off all that cheesy mushroom goodness inside. Arrange them fan-like on a platter drizzled with a little extra garlic butter sauce from the pan. This presentation feels restaurant-worthy while staying totally approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld wonderfully overnight, making leftovers a delight.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked stuffed chicken by wrapping each portion tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Keep them in a freezer-safe container and enjoy within 2 months for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, use a low oven temperature (around 325°F/160°C) and cover the chicken loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Warm it through until heated evenly, about 15 to 20 minutes depending on portion size, or reheat gently in a microwave on medium power.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! While cremini or white mushrooms work best for their texture and flavor, feel free to experiment with shiitake, porcini, or even button mushrooms depending on what you have on hand.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it naturally is! Just double-check that your seasonings and cheese are gluten-free, and this dish fits perfectly into a gluten-free diet.
How can I make this dish lower in fat?
You can reduce the amount of cheese or opt for part-skim mozzarella to lower fat content. Additionally, use less butter or substitute with olive oil to make a lighter version without sacrificing too much flavor.
Can I prepare the stuffing in advance?
Definitely! Preparing the mushroom and cheese stuffing ahead of time will save you some kitchen hustle on the day of cooking, making this recipe even more approachable for busy evenings.
What if I don’t have kitchen twine or toothpicks?
While twine and toothpicks help keep the filling inside, you can carefully butterfly and gently press the chicken pockets closed with your hands. Just be mindful when flipping and searing to keep the stuffing intact.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and approachable, and once you try it, you’ll likely find yourself making it again and again. I truly hope you give this recipe a go — 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
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and comforting main course featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful mixture of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Pan-seared to golden perfection and then baked to ensure juicy, fully cooked chicken, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying low-carb and gluten-free dinner option.
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 breasts.
- Sauté Mushroom Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and browned. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Mix in Cheeses: Once the mushroom mixture is slightly cooled, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until well combined.
- Prepare Chicken: Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through, creating space for the stuffing.
- Stuff Chicken: Fill each chicken breast pocket evenly with the mushroom and cheese mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Season Chicken: Lightly season the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper for added flavor.
- Sear Chicken: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. 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 to the preheated oven. If your skillet is not oven-safe, move the chicken to a baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- The mushroom filling can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to use, making meal prep easier.
- For a lower-fat option, reduce the amount of cheese or use part-skim mozzarella cheese instead of whole milk mozzarella.
