Description
Rich, melted cheese and garlic butter elevate this mushroom stuffed chicken into a gourmet delight that promises restaurant-quality flavors right from your kitchen. Crispy outside and tender inside, this dish delivers an irresistible combination of savory ingredients that will make any meal extraordinary.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Fats and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) unsalted butter
- 8 ounces (225 grams) mushrooms, sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Craft a savory mushroom medley by sautéing sliced mushrooms in a blend of olive oil and butter over medium heat until they transform into golden, tender morsels. Infuse the mixture with minced garlic, enhancing the depth of flavor with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Incorporate finely chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese into the mushroom mixture, creating a rich, aromatic filling. Allow the mixture to cool slightly while preparing the chicken.
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Carefully butterfly each chicken breast, creating a spacious pocket for the flavorful stuffing. Generously season the exterior with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Delicately pack each chicken breast with the prepared mushroom mixture and creamy mozzarella cheese. Secure the openings with toothpicks to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
- Heat a skillet with butter, then gently sear the stuffed chicken breasts until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust on both sides. This process locks in the juices and creates a tantalizing exterior.
- Sprinkle additional minced garlic and Italian seasoning into the skillet, allowing the aromatics to dance and release their intense flavors. Baste the chicken with the fragrant garlic butter.
- Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven. Bake until the chicken reaches perfect doneness and the cheese becomes delightfully molten, typically 15-20 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Let the chicken rest briefly to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Present the stuffed chicken alongside complementary sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted seasonal vegetables, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Customize the mushroom filling by experimenting with different types of mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, or oyster for unique flavor profiles.
- Cut chicken breasts uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots during baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
- Create a low-carb version by replacing Parmesan with nutritional yeast and serving alongside cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Prevent toothpicks from burning by soaking them in water before securing chicken pockets.
- Make the dish gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour and ensuring all seasonings are gluten-free certified.
- Prep the mushroom filling ahead of time and store in the refrigerator to streamline cooking process on busy nights.
- Transform leftovers into a delicious chicken salad by chopping and mixing with fresh herbs and light mayo.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg