This Easy Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast is a winner for dinner! Juicy chicken is filled with a tasty mix of mushrooms, cheese, and herbs for a burst of flavor in every bite.
If you ask me, nothing beats the combination of tender chicken and rich mushroom filling. It’s also super easy to make—just stuff, bake, and enjoy. Perfect for impressing your friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for stuffing. If you prefer dark meat, boneless thighs work great too!
Mushrooms: I used button mushrooms, but feel free to swap in cremini, shiitake, or even a mix of your favorites for more flavor.
Cheese: While mozzarella or Swiss cheese gives a nice melt, goat cheese or feta can add a tangy twist if you’re feeling adventurous!
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you could use spinach or basil for a different flavor. Dried herbs can also be used in a pinch.
Onion and Garlic: These add depth to the filling. You can use shallots instead of onion for a milder flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Breasts Remain Juicy While Baking?
Keeping chicken moist is crucial! Here are some tips:
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps juices redistribute.
- Keep the filling in a pocket as securely as you can. It will help keep the moisture in!
- If you have some chicken broth, adding a splash to the baking dish can create steam and help keep the chicken moist.
Easy Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes to bake, making the total time around 45-50 minutes. It’s a quick but flavor-packed dish that is sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your chicken bakes evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each breast, being sure not to cut all the way through. This is where you’ll stuff the yummy filling!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms. Cook for another 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms brown and any moisture evaporates.
4. Make the Filling:
Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined! This filling will be packed with flavor.
5. Stuff the Chicken:
Take the mushroom mixture and generously stuff each chicken breast pocket. Press gently to evenly fill the pocket. If needed, secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling from escaping during cooking.
6. Season the Outside:
Season the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for some color. This will help flavor the chicken as it bakes.
7. Bake Your Chicken:
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the toothpicks from the chicken and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist. Then, serve warm and enjoy your delicious meal!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast!
FAQ about Easy Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts work great, you can also use turkey breasts or even pork chops for a different flavor. Just ensure they are thick enough to stuff.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts a day in advance! Just store the unbaked stuffed breasts in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply bake them, adding a few extra minutes if cold from the refrigerator.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth while reheating to keep it moist!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Filling?
Yes! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes to the mushroom filling for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to cook them down slightly so they don’t add too much moisture!