Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 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; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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A succulent, juicy chicken breast filled with a savory mixture of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and a trio of melted cheeses. This impressive dish creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will elevate any dinner to restaurant quality with minimal effort.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is a game-changer for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The chicken stays incredibly moist thanks to the stuffing technique, while the mushroom filling adds an earthy, rich element that perfectly complements the protein. It's naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences. Despite its impressive presentation, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, requiring just one skillet and a baking dish. The combination of three different cheeses creates an irresistible creamy texture and depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts serve as the perfect protein vessel for this dish. Look for larger, evenly-sized breasts to make the stuffing process easier. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you might consider butterflying them before creating a pocket.

Olive oil is used for sautéing the mushrooms and searing the chicken, lending a subtle fruitiness that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Butter works alongside olive oil to create a rich base for the mushroom filling, adding that unmistakable golden flavor that makes everything taste better.

Mushrooms provide an earthy, meaty texture to the filling. Button mushrooms work well, but feel free to experiment with cremini, shiitake, or a mixed blend for more complex flavors.

Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth. Fresh minced garlic is preferred for its vibrant flavor, but pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch.

Cream cheese creates a luxurious, velvety base for the filling that helps bind everything together while adding tanginess.

Mozzarella cheese contributes that wonderful stretchiness and mild flavor that melts beautifully inside the chicken.

Parmesan cheese brings a sharp, nutty flavor that adds complexity to the cheese blend and balances the creaminess with its salty bite.

Thyme complements the mushrooms perfectly with its subtle earthy, slightly minty flavor. Fresh thyme can be substituted for dried by using three times the amount.

Parsley brightens the finished dish with its fresh flavor and vibrant color, making it both a garnish and a flavor enhancer.

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning. Remember to taste your mushroom filling before stuffing to ensure it's well-seasoned.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and browned.
Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Stir in the cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Stuff each chicken breast with the cheesy mushroom mixture.
Heat a little more olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner. It requires 15 minutes of preparation time and 30 minutes of cooking time, for a total of 45 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, offering a satisfying meal that won't break your calorie bank. For a complete dinner, consider serving this chicken with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to the mushroom mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
Spinach Addition: Mix some fresh spinach into the mushroom mixture for added nutrition and color.
Herb Variation: Substitute rosemary or sage for thyme to change the flavor profile.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
Blue Cheese Option: Replace some or all of the Parmesan with blue cheese for a bolder, tangier flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken has cooled completely before refrigerating.

Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap each cooked chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe container or bag. This double-wrapping helps prevent freezer burn.

Reheating from Refrigerated: For best results, reheat refrigerated stuffed chicken in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.

Reheating from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Then follow the refrigerated reheating instructions above, adding 5-10 minutes to the heating time.

Microwave Method: While not ideal for texture, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave at 70% power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable way to check doneness is using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part – the meat should be white with no pink areas.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking according to the recipe instructions.

What's the best way to cut a pocket in the chicken breast?

Place your hand flat on top of the chicken breast and use a sharp knife to create a horizontal cut along the side, being careful not to cut all the way through. Create a pocket that's large enough to hold the filling but leave about a half-inch border around the edges.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can work, but they're typically smaller and more irregular in shape. Consider butterflying them and rolling them around the filling instead of stuffing them.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is naturally keto-friendly as it's low in carbohydrates and contains primarily protein and fat. Just be mindful of any sides you serve with it.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

Ricotta cheese or mascarpone make good substitutes, though they'll change the flavor profile slightly. Greek yogurt can work as a lighter alternative, though it will be less creamy.

How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?

Secure the opening of the chicken with toothpicks after stuffing. Also, make sure not to overfill the pockets and consider using a lower temperature for cooking to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives for the cheeses, such as dairy-free cream cheese, vegan mozzarella, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The texture will be different but still tasty.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Light sides work best to balance the richness: a simple green salad, steamed asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower rice. For a heartier meal, consider mashed potatoes or a side of pasta.

Can I grill this chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, you can grill it over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Be gentle when turning to prevent the filling from leaking out.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken transforms an ordinary protein into an extraordinary meal that's sure to impress. The combination of savory mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and melty cheese creates a flavor profile that's comforting yet sophisticated. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a special occasion, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The best part is that it's versatile enough to adapt to your preferences and what you have on hand. Master this technique, and you'll have a reliable go-to dish that elevates chicken from basic to brilliant in just 45 minutes.