Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken

You’re about to begin creating a culinary masterpiece with Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken.

This dish requires precision and attention to detail, especially when preparing the savory mushroom and mozzarella stuffing.

By carefully cutting pockets into the chicken breasts and ensuring a perfect sear, you’ll achieve a golden crust that’s both visually appealing and delicious.

Curious about how to bring this comforting, flavorful dish to life? Let’s explore the essential steps.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 skillet
• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 baking dish

Ingredients

• 4 large chicken breasts
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken, you can follow this timeline:

Preparation Phase (15 minutes):

1. Minute 0-5:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Gather and organize all ingredients and equipment: skillet, mixing bowl, knife, cutting board, and baking dish.
2. Minute 5-10:
   • Slice the mushrooms and mince the garlic.
   • Shred the mozzarella cheese if not pre-shredded.
3. Minute 10-15:
   • Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat.
   • Sauté the mushrooms until soft.
   • Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Cooking Phase (25 minutes):

4. Minute 15-20:

• Combine sautéed mushrooms and garlic with mozzarella cheese in a mixing bowl.
• Cut a pocket into each chicken breast.

5. Minute 20-25:

• Stuff each chicken breast with the mushroom and cheese mixture.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

6. Minute 25-30:

• Melt butter in the skillet.
• Sear each chicken breast on both sides until golden brown.

7. Minute 30-45:

• Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.

Resting Phase (5 minutes):

8. Minute 45-50:

– Remove chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is a delightful main course that combines the rich flavors of garlic, mushrooms, and melted mozzarella cheese, all encased in tender chicken breasts.

This dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, providing a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.

The preparation involves creating a delicious stuffing of sautéed mushrooms and garlic, mixed with cheese, and enveloping it within chicken breasts before searing and baking them to perfection.

The cooking process is straightforward, beginning with the preheating of the oven and sautéing the mushrooms.

After preparing the mushroom and cheese mixture, it’s stuffed into pockets cut into the chicken breasts.

Once stuffed and seasoned, the chicken is seared to achieve a golden crust and then baked until fully cooked.

The result is a succulent, flavor-packed dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the mushrooms until they’re soft, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes before removing from heat.

In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mushrooms and garlic with mozzarella cheese.

Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast without slicing through completely, and stuff each with the mushroom and cheese mixture.

Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Melt butter in the skillet and sear each chicken breast on both sides until golden brown.

Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

For an extra creamy filling, consider mixing some cream cheese into the mushroom and cheese mixture.

This will give the stuffing a richer texture and flavor.

Be cautious not to overstuff the chicken breasts to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

Additionally, if you prefer a more robust flavor, you might want to add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the stuffing for added depth.

Cooking Steps

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to guarantee a consistent cooking temperature.

In a skillet, sauté the sliced mushrooms in olive oil over medium heat until they soften, then introduce the minced garlic, allowing it to cook briefly for 1-2 minutes.

Transfer the mushroom and garlic mixture to a bowl and combine it with mozzarella cheese, then carefully create pockets in each chicken breast for stuffing.

Step 1. Preheat Oven to 375°F

While preparing to cook, make certain your oven is preheated to 375°F (190°C) for ideal cooking conditions.

This step guarantees that your Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.

Set your oven to the correct temperature using its control panel, and allow it to preheat fully before placing any dish inside.

Use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy, as some ovens may vary slightly in temperature.

Preheating assures the chicken starts cooking immediately upon entry, preventing undercooking.

It also helps the cheese melt uniformly, guaranteeing a perfect texture throughout.

Wait for the oven’s preheat indicator, often a light or beep, to signal readiness.

Only then should you proceed with inserting your prepared dish.

Step 2. Sauté Mushrooms in Olive Oil

Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s ready for sautéing.

Once the oil reaches this point, add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer to guarantee even cooking.

Use a wooden spatula to gently toss the mushrooms, coating them thoroughly with the olive oil.

Maintain a consistent heat to prevent burning or uneven browning.

Stir occasionally, allowing the mushrooms to release their moisture and begin to caramelize.

Continue sautéing until the mushrooms become tender and develop a rich, golden-brown color, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can cause steaming instead of sautéing.

Once achieved, remove the mushrooms from heat, readying them for the next step.

Step 3. Add Garlic, Cook Briefly

Toss the minced garlic into the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms, ensuring the garlic is evenly distributed.

Stir gently with a spatula, incorporating the garlic into the softened mushrooms.

Maintain medium heat to prevent the garlic from burning, which can impart a bitter taste.

Cook the garlic for precisely 1-2 minutes, allowing it to become fragrant and release its essential oils.

Avoid overcooking, as the goal is to enhance the mushrooms’ flavor profile without overpowering it.

Once the garlic turns a light golden color, remove the skillet from the heat immediately.

This prevents residual cooking and retains the ideal garlic aroma.

Let it cool slightly, preparing it for the next step where it will be combined with other ingredients.

Step 4. Mix Mushrooms With Mozzarella

Lift the skillet containing the sautéed mushrooms and garlic from the heat, making sure it’s slightly cooled.

Transfer the contents to a mixing bowl.

Measure precisely one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Add the mozzarella to the bowl with the mushrooms and garlic.

Using a spatula or spoon, fold the cheese gently into the mixture, guaranteeing even distribution.

The cheese should begin to soften slightly from the residual heat, aiding in binding the mushrooms and garlic together.

Avoid overmixing to preserve the texture of the mushrooms.

Confirm the mixture is uniform and ready for stuffing.

This precise blend will deliver a consistent flavor and texture when incorporated into the chicken breasts, enhancing the dish’s overall taste with a savory, cheesy filling.

Step 5. Slice Pockets in Chicken Breasts

To create pockets in the chicken breasts, begin by placing each breast on a cutting board.

Use a sharp knife to make a horizontal incision along the thickest side of the breast.

Be precise—cut approximately 3/4 of the way through without penetrating the opposite side.

This incision will form a deep pocket, ideal for stuffing.

Here’s a quick checklist to guarantee accuracy:

1. Knife Angle: Maintain a steady angle to avoid piercing through the breast.
2. Depth Control: Stop cutting once you’re near the opposite edge to preserve the pocket structure.
3. Consistency: Verify all pockets are similar in size for even cooking.

Once done, gently open each pocket with your fingers to prepare for stuffing, making sure the meat holds its shape.

Serving Tips

• Steamed Asparagus: The crispness and light flavor of steamed asparagus complement the richness of the stuffed chicken.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and flavorful, they pair perfectly with the cheesy and garlicky notes of the chicken dish.
• Caesar Salad: A fresh and tangy salad that adds a revitalizing contrast to the savory stuffed chicken.
• Wild Rice Pilaf: Offers a nutty and hearty texture that balances the soft and tender chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted to perfection adds color and a healthy touch to your meal.

Reheating

Reheating:

Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.

Alternatively, use a microwave, but cover to retain moisture.

Final Thoughts

While savoring the rich flavors of the Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken, you’ll appreciate the balance of textures and tastes that make this dish a standout.

The juicy, tender chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy, savory mushroom filling, delivering a taste experience that’s both satisfying and memorable.

To achieve ideal results, adhere to precise cooking times and temperatures—searing the chicken creates a golden crust, while baking guarantees thorough cooking.

Resting the chicken for five minutes allows juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor and moisture retention.

Avoid overstuffing to maintain structural integrity, preventing filling loss.

For an elevated taste profile, incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary into the stuffing.

This dish is a demonstration of the harmony of simple ingredients and meticulous technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Adjust cooking time; thighs might need a few extra minutes. Confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Slice pockets carefully to avoid tearing and overstuffing, confirming even cooking and flavor.

Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Recipe?

Substitute portobello mushrooms for chicken. Slice mushrooms, sauté as directed, then stuff with the mushroom-cheese mixture. Season, sear in butter, and bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Rest briefly before serving for peak flavor.

What Can I Serve as a Side Dish With This Chicken?

Serve steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F for 20 minutes. Alternatively, pair with a creamy risotto or garlic mashed potatoes.

How Can I Make the Dish Spicier?

To make the dish spicier, incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix. Alternatively, add finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mushroom filling for a more intense heat profile. Adjust to taste.

Can I Substitute Another Cheese for Mozzarella?

You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or Gouda for a different flavor profile. Ascertain the cheese melts well and complements the dish. Adjust quantities if needed to maintain the desired consistency and taste balance.

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.