Imagine cutting into a perfectly golden chicken breast and revealing a creamy, mushroom-filled interior that's bursting with flavor. This Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast isn't just another dinner recipe—it's a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary weeknight meal into a gourmet sensation. With just a few simple ingredients and some clever cooking techniques, you'll create a dish that looks like it came straight from a fancy restaurant's kitchen, all from the comfort of your own home.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Clean and finely chop mushrooms into small, uniform pieces. Mince garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped mushrooms and minced garlic until mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting completely through. Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the mushroom-cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if needed.
- Place stuffed chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil to help achieve a golden exterior.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.
Tips
- Temperature is key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.
- Butterfly technique matters: When creating the pocket in the chicken breast, use a sharp knife and cut horizontally, keeping one side intact to create an even stuffing cavity.
- Don't overstuff: While the mushroom-cream cheese mixture is delicious, adding too much can cause the chicken to split during cooking.
- Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Breadcrumb tip: For extra crispiness, consider toasting your breadcrumbs lightly in a pan before mixing with the cream cheese and mushrooms.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 205kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 46mg
