Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken breast bursting with a creamy mixture of savory mushrooms, melted cheese, and aromatic garlic butter. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this mouthwatering Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken. This restaurant-quality dish combines simple ingredients to create an explosion of flavors that will impress even the most discerning dinner guests. You’ll learn how to perfectly stuff and sear chicken breasts, create a delicious garlic butter sauce, and plate this stunning meal like a professional chef.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is about to become your new favorite dinner option for so many reasons. First, the contrast of textures is absolutely divine – crispy, golden-brown chicken exterior gives way to tender meat and a creamy, gooey mushroom and cheese filling that melts in your mouth with each bite. The garlic butter sauce adds a rich, velvety component that ties everything together perfectly.

What makes this recipe truly special is its impressive presentation despite being surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for special occasions. Even better, it’s a complete meal in itself, packed with protein from the chicken and umami flavors from the mushrooms. The combination of three different cheeses creates a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the stuffed chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
• 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (divided use)
• 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter (divided use)
• 1 cup (113g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese
• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the garlic butter sauce:

• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pro Tips

Master the Butterfly Technique: The key to perfect mushroom stuffed chicken starts with properly butterflying the chicken breasts. Place your hand flat on top of the chicken and use a sharp knife to slice horizontally through the breast, stopping about 1/2 inch from the opposite side. This creates a pocket that opens like a book, providing maximum space for your delicious filling while ensuring the chicken cooks evenly.

Pre-Cook Your Mushrooms: Always sauté your mushrooms before using them as filling. Raw mushrooms contain a high water content that will release during cooking, potentially making your filling watery and diluting the flavors. Cooking them beforehand concentrates their flavor and removes excess moisture, resulting in a richer, more intense mushroom taste in your Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken.

Temperature Control Is Critical: For perfectly cooked stuffed chicken, use a meat thermometer to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Start with a hot pan to sear the outside, then reduce heat to medium-low or transfer to a 375°F oven to finish cooking. This two-step approach ensures a golden exterior with perfectly cooked chicken and melty cheese inside without burning or drying out the meat.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mushroom Filling
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Add half of the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the cooled mushroom mixture with mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese. Add the thyme leaves and Italian seasoning, then mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the middle, stopping about 1/2 inch from the opposite edge so the chicken opens like a book. Place the butterflied chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch using a meat mallet or heavy pan. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Divide the mushroom-cheese mixture evenly among the four chicken breasts, placing it on one half of each opened breast. Fold the other half over to enclose the filling, then secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling from leaking out during cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the chicken is baking, prepare your sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks. Drizzle with the garlic butter sauce and serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Transform this Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken with a Mediterranean twist by adding sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese to your mushroom mixture. Replace the Italian seasoning with oregano and add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, tangy flavor. This variation pairs beautifully with a side of roasted potatoes or a simple Greek salad.

Spicy Southwest Version: Add some heat to your mushroom stuffed chicken by incorporating diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese into the filling. Season with cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper instead of Italian herbs. Top with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro before serving, and pair with Mexican rice or black beans for a complete meal with southwestern flair.

Dairy-Free Option: For those avoiding dairy, create a delicious alternative by replacing the cheese mixture with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and dairy-free cream cheese. Use olive oil instead of butter, and create a sauce with garlic, chicken broth, and coconut cream. The result is still incredibly flavorful and satisfying while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Storage and Serving

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery and cause the cheese to separate.

Serve this elegant chicken dish over buttered egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the decadent garlic butter sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with roasted asparagus or a bright arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. If you’re hosting a dinner party, consider serving it alongside wild rice pilaf and steamed green beans for a complete, impressive meal that looks and tastes like it came from a fine dining restaurant.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can stuff the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for the best results.

What if my chicken breasts are different sizes?
If your chicken breasts vary in size, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Larger pieces may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature.

Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Absolutely! While cremini or button mushrooms work great, you can experiment with shiitake, portobello, or even wild mushroom blends for different flavor profiles in your Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken.

Is there a way to prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Secure the chicken with toothpicks and don’t overstuff. Additionally, making sure your initial sear creates a good seal around the edges of the chicken helps keep the filling intact during baking.

What side dishes pair best with this recipe?
This dish pairs wonderfully with starches that can absorb the sauce, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. For vegetables, consider roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed spinach, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is comfort food at its finest — juicy chicken enveloping a creamy, savory filling that melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, yet remains simple enough to prepare without stress. Whether you’re cooking to impress guests or simply treating yourself to something delicious, this stuffed chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results from your own kitchen.

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