Mushroom and Cheese Stuffed Chicken in Garlic Butter Sauce
Looking for a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home? This Mushroom and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is the perfect recipe. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a savory mushroom and cheese mixture, then baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious garlic butter sauce. It’s easy to make yet elegant enough to serve for a special dinner.
Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish will impress everyone at the table. Plus, it pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: The creamy mushroom filling and garlic butter sauce make this dish incredibly indulgent.
- Impressively Simple: While it looks and tastes gourmet, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare.
- Customizable: You can use different cheeses or add spinach to the filling for extra nutrients.
- Family-Friendly: A delicious and comforting dish that both kids and adults will love.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce (Optional):
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the Mushroom Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic and mushrooms until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Remove from heat and mix in the cream cheese and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Stuff the Chicken
- Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut through.
- Stuff each pocket with the mushroom and cheese mixture, securing the opening with toothpicks.
- Bake the Chicken
- Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Garlic Butter Sauce
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, then simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with the garlic butter sauce and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add the best flavor and texture to the filling.
- Secure the Filling: Use toothpicks to keep the filling in place while the chicken bakes.
- Don’t Overbake: Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Pair with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or buttery rice pilaf.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light, fruity red like Pinot Noir.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the juicy texture.
Mushroom and Cheese Stuffed Chicken in Garlic Butter Sauce