Description
This Savory Mushroom Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a flavor-packed dish featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a rich blend of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, herbs, and melted cheese. Perfectly seared and baked, the chicken comes out golden on the outside with a gooey, savory surprise inside. It’s an elegant yet simple recipe great for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep.
Ingredients For Savory Mushroom Cheese Stuffed Chicken
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (button, cremini, or portobello)
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2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp salt (plus extra for seasoning chicken)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella (or a mix of mozzarella & parmesan)
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2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Instructions
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Prepare the chicken:
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Pat dry chicken breasts and cut a pocket into the side of each without slicing through completely.
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Season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Make the mushroom filling:
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Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add chopped mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and moisture evaporates (5–7 mins).
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Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook another 1–2 minutes.
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Remove from heat and mix with cheese (and cream cheese if using).
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Stuff the chicken:
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Fill each chicken breast with the mushroom-cheese mixture.
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Secure the openings with toothpicks.
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Sear and bake:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet. Sear chicken on each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
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Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Serve:
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Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
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Notes
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Use sharp cheese (like parmesan or gouda) for a stronger flavor.
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Ensure mushrooms are cooked until moisture is gone to prevent soggy filling.
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Can also be grilled instead of baked for smoky flavor.
Tips
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Pound chicken breasts slightly to ensure even cooking.
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If worried about stuffing spilling out, you can also butterfly the chicken and fold it over instead of cutting pockets.
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For extra flavor, marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before stuffing.
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Pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.
Servings
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Makes 4 servings (1 stuffed chicken breast per person).
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 360
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Protein: 42g
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Carbohydrates: 4g
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Fat: 18g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 1g
Benefits
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High protein meal to keep you full and energized.
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Low carb and keto-friendly.
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Mushrooms provide antioxidants and B-vitamins.
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Cheese adds calcium and flavor without heavy sauces.
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Great balance of comfort food + healthy eating.
Q&A
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can stuff and refrigerate the chicken up to 24 hours before cooking.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: Mozzarella for meltiness, Parmesan for flavor, or a mix for balance.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes, use dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip cheese and add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes with mushrooms.
Q: How do I prevent chicken from drying out?
A: Don’t overcook—use a thermometer and remove at 165°F. Letting it rest also keeps it juicy.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes! Freeze uncooked stuffed chicken, wrapped tightly. Thaw in fridge overnight before baking.