Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast is a flavorful and elegant dish where tender chicken breasts are stuffed with a savory mushroom filling, then baked or pan-seared to perfection. The earthy mushrooms, combined with creamy cheese and aromatic herbs, make this dish a comforting and impressive meal for any occasion. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to make it:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mushroom Filling:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb mushrooms (such as cremini, button, or a mix), finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme if available)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup cream cheese (or mascarpone for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare the chicken breasts: Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Carefully slice horizontally along the side, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

2. Make the Mushroom Filling:

• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
• Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in the chopped mushrooms, thyme, and rosemary (if using). Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender. Continue to cook until most of the liquid evaporates.
• Season the mushroom mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using) until well combined and creamy. The filling should be thick and spreadable.

3. Stuff the Chicken:

• Stuff each chicken breast with the mushroom mixture. Use toothpicks to secure the opening of the chicken breasts, keeping the filling inside. You can stuff the chicken breasts generously with the mushroom mixture.

4. Cook the Chicken:

Pan-Seared Method:

• Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts to the pan. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Oven-Only Method:

• If you prefer not to sear the chicken, place the stuffed chicken breasts directly on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

5. Serve:

• Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the toothpicks and transfer the chicken breasts to a serving platter.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Tips:

• Make it lighter: For a lighter version, you can replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
• Flavor variations: You can add other herbs or spices like parsley, oregano, or paprika to customize the flavor of the stuffing.
• Extra cheese: For a richer stuffing, you can mix in some mozzarella or goat cheese with the mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions:

• This Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast pairs well with simple sides like roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

This dish is packed with flavor, and the creamy, savory mushroom stuffing complements the chicken perfectly. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that’s perfect for weeknights or a special dinner! Enjoy!