Introduction
When it comes to chicken recipes, we often look for something that is both delicious and satisfying while being easy to make. This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken offers a fantastic combination of flavors. Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy mozzarella, flavorful garlic mushrooms, and seared to perfection in a buttery skillet before being baked for that final touch. This dish is not just visually appealing but also packed with rich flavors that will make it a favorite for family dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed: The combination of garlic, butter, mushrooms, and cheese creates a rich, savory dish.
- Simple ingredients: All the ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens.
- Great for entertaining: This stuffed chicken looks impressive, yet it’s easy to make and perfect for a dinner party.
- Versatile: You can swap out ingredients like the cheese or add other vegetables to suit your taste.
Let’s dive into the details of how to make this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients with Quantities
To get started, make sure you have all the ingredients laid out and measured. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These will serve as the base for the stuffing and should be of medium size, so they are easy to stuff.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides the creamy, cheesy filling. You can use other types of cheese like provolone or Swiss if you prefer.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Button mushrooms or cremini work well, but feel free to use your favorite variety of mushrooms for a deeper flavor.
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided: Butter will be used both in cooking the mushrooms and searing the chicken, adding richness to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. It adds a bold, aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme brings out the savory aspect of the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: These seasonings will help enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil is used for searing the chicken breasts and adds a subtle flavor and moisture to the dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herbal flavor to the finished dish.
Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature once you’re ready to transfer the chicken for baking.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is hot and bubbly, add the sliced mushrooms. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Mushrooms release water as they cook, so allow the liquid to evaporate and the mushrooms to start turning golden brown.
Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and well mixed with the mushrooms. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside the mushroom mixture to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
While the mushroom mixture is cooling, you’ll want to prepare the chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be sure not to cut all the way through to the other side—just enough to create a space for stuffing. This pocket will hold the cheesy mushroom mixture.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Spoon the cooled garlic mushroom mixture into each chicken breast, followed by a generous helping of shredded mozzarella cheese. If necessary, you can use toothpicks to secure the openings and keep the filling from spilling out during cooking.
Step 5: Season the Chicken
Once stuffed, season the outside of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will help enhance the overall flavor and give the chicken a nice, seasoned crust when seared.
Step 6: Sear the Chicken
In the same skillet used for the mushrooms, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Searing helps to lock in the juices and gives the chicken a beautiful crust.
Step 7: Bake the Chicken
After the chicken is seared, transfer it to a baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This will ensure the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an added burst of freshness and color. Serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for stuffing? Yes, mozzarella is recommended for its mild flavor and meltability, but you can experiment with other cheeses. Provolone, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar would also be delicious. Just be mindful of how the cheese melts to avoid any mess.
What type of mushrooms work best in this recipe? Button mushrooms are often the go-to, but cremini or portobello mushrooms will add an earthier, richer flavor. Feel free to mix different mushrooms for a more complex taste.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time? Absolutely! You can stuff the chicken and sear it a day ahead, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake it as instructed. This makes it a great recipe for meal prep or when you’re entertaining guests.
Is it necessary to use both butter and olive oil? Using a combination of butter and olive oil gives you the best of both worlds: the flavor from the butter and the higher smoke point of the olive oil. This prevents the butter from burning during searing while still giving the chicken a rich, buttery taste.
What can I serve with this stuffed chicken? This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Try serving it with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with pasta or rice.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it? While this recipe calls for baking, you can certainly grill the chicken. After stuffing and searing the chicken, place it on a preheated grill over medium heat. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is the perfect recipe for those looking for a dish that is both elegant and easy to make. The juicy chicken, cheesy filling, and garlicky mushroom mixture create a meal that is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just cooking for your family, this recipe is sure to impress.