Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, for garnish

A succulent, flavorful dish that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary meal. This stuffed chicken recipe combines earthy mushrooms, creamy cheese, and aromatic garlic butter for a restaurant-quality dinner right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is a game-changer for dinner time. The juicy chicken breasts are filled with a savory mushroom and cheese mixture that melts perfectly as it cooks. It’s impressive enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight meal. The combination of garlic butter, herbs, and three types of cheese creates layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts serve as the perfect vessel for our delicious filling. Look for medium to large-sized breasts that are thick enough to create a pocket for stuffing. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can butterfly them first before creating the pocket.

Mushrooms provide an earthy, meaty flavor that makes this dish so satisfying. Any variety works well – button, cremini, or shiitake – but cremini (baby portobello) mushrooms offer a more robust flavor.

Cream cheese forms the creamy base of our stuffing, adding richness and helping bind the other ingredients together. Allow it to soften at room temperature for easier mixing.

Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully inside the chicken, creating that desirable gooey, stretchy texture when you cut into the finished dish.

Butter creates the flavorful foundation for sautéing the mushrooms and garlic. The fat helps carry the flavors throughout the stuffing mixture.

Garlic infuses the entire dish with its aromatic qualities. Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch.

Dried thyme and parsley complement the earthiness of the mushrooms while adding a subtle herbaceous note. Fresh herbs can be substituted at a 3:1 ratio (3 teaspoons fresh to 1 teaspoon dried).

Parmesan cheese creates a delicious golden crust on top of the chicken as it bakes, adding a nutty, salty dimension to the dish.

Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out all the flavors in this recipe – be sure to season the mushroom mixture well.

Fresh parsley brightens the finished dish with color and a hint of freshness that balances the rich filling.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the chopped mushrooms, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook until mushrooms are browned and any moisture has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes.
In a bowl, mix the cooked mushrooms with cream cheese and mozzarella cheese until well combined.
Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff it with the mushroom cheese mixture.
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner. The preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, with 30 minutes of cooking time, for a total of 45 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 420 calories, offering a satisfying meal that won’t break your calorie bank.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese to the mushroom mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
Spicy Version: Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the filling for a kick of heat.
Herb Garden: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or basil to the mushroom mixture for a more complex flavor profile.
Italian Inspired: Use provolone instead of mozzarella and add Italian seasoning to the mushroom mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: You can freeze the cooked stuffed chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Reheating: For best results, thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat refrigerated or thawed chicken in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave on a medium setting, covered with a damp paper towel, at 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed chicken (through step 6) up to a day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The juices should run clear when pierced with a fork, and the chicken should no longer be pink inside.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, but they’re typically smaller and thinner. Consider butterflying them and rolling the filling inside instead of creating a pocket. Adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs may cook faster.

What can I serve with this stuffed chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Steamed asparagus or broccoli also make excellent sides.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when baking from cold.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheese alternatives, though the texture and melt will be slightly different. Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

Ensure you create a deep pocket rather than cutting all the way through the chicken. Secure the opening with toothpicks if necessary, and don’t overstuff the chicken breasts.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried (3 teaspoons fresh for every 1 teaspoon dried called for in the recipe).

My chicken breasts are different sizes. How do I adjust cooking times?

Larger chicken breasts will need more time to cook. Use a meat thermometer to ensure all pieces reach 165°F (74°C) internally. You can also pound the breasts to an even thickness before stuffing to promote even cooking.

Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Yes, cook in an air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for approximately 18-22 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken elevates an ordinary protein into something truly special. With its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and decadent filling, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. The combination of mushrooms and multiple cheeses creates a complex flavor profile that tastes like it took hours to prepare, though it comes together in less than an hour. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this stuffed chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Make it once, and you’ll understand why this dish has become a favorite for so many home cooks looking to bring a touch of elegance to their weeknight dinners.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken