This Easy Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast is a winner for dinner! It’s juicy, filled with tasty mushrooms and herbs, and looks impressive on the plate.
I love making this because it’s simple and packed with flavor! Pair it with some veggies for a colorful plate, and watch your family enjoy every bite. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is ideal for stuffing. If you want a change, turkey breasts work well too. They offer a similar texture and taste.
Mushrooms: Button and cremini mushrooms are delicious choices. If you need a substitute, you can use spinach or even finely chopped bell peppers for a different flavor.
Cheese: I love mozzarella for its meltiness, but Swiss cheese brings a nutty taste. You can swap in provolone or even a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Herbs: Dried thyme pairs wonderfully here. If you don’t have it, Italian seasoning or fresh parsley can give a nice flavor boost. You can even mix in fresh spinach for added freshness.
How Do I Cut Chicken Breasts Properly?
Making pockets in chicken breasts can be tricky. Follow these steps for success:
- Use a very sharp knife for clean cuts.
- Place the chicken breast flat on a cutting board.
- Hold the breast steady with one hand and gently slice into the side to create a pocket.
- Be careful not to cut through the other side; you want it to hold the filling inside!
Take your time with this step. It ensures the filling stays intact during cooking, keeping everything juicy and flavorful. Happy cooking!
Easy Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (button or cremini)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. So, in just around 40 minutes, you can serve a delicious, stuffed chicken breast that will impress your family or guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Chicken:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, take each chicken breast and carefully cut a pocket into the side, making sure not to slice all the way through. Just a gentle cut is enough to create space for the tasty filling!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Throw in the chopped onions and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms to the skillet. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and any liquid they release has mostly evaporated. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme for flavor!
3. Combine the Cheese:
Take your skillet off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it’s well mixed with the mushrooms and onions. This will create a gooey filling that’s packed with flavor!
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to fill those chicken pockets! Spoon the mushroom and cheese mixture into each chicken breast, dividing it evenly. If you need to, use toothpicks to secure the openings and keep all that delicious filling inside.
5. Sear and Bake:
Next, heat a little more olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re nicely golden brown. Then, transfer the skillet directly to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove any toothpicks, garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve your juicy, flavorful mushroom stuffed chicken breast hot. Enjoy every bite!
This dish makes a perfect weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal—enjoy cooking and indulging in this delightful recipe!
FAQ for Easy Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Swiss are great choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, feta, or even a dairy-free cheese if needed. Just make sure it melts well for the best texture!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
You can opt for lower-fat cheese or cook the chicken without butter and use broth instead for sautéing. Adding spinach or other veggies to the stuffing increases nutritional value as well!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Mushrooms?
No worries! You can use canned mushrooms instead. Just drain them well and chop them up, but keep in mind they may be softer, so adjust your cooking time slightly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to enjoy your delicious stuffed chicken again!
