Description
Succulent chicken breasts filled with garlic mushroom magic become an irresistible dinner centerpiece for weeknight meals. Rich parmesan and herb-infused mushrooms nestled inside juicy chicken promise a luxurious culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters/8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters/2 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Fats and Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter
Vegetables:
- 3 cups (720 milliliters/12 ounces) sliced mushrooms
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the stuffed chicken.
- Carefully create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing lengthwise, ensuring the cut doesn’t separate the meat completely.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté mushrooms and garlic until they become tender and release their aromatic flavors.
- Season the mushroom mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Combine the cooked mushrooms with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and creamy filling.
- Carefully stuff each chicken breast with the mushroom-cheese mixture, using toothpicks to seal and prevent the filling from escaping.
- Sear the stuffed chicken breasts in the same pan, browning each side for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden, crispy exterior.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing the chicken is fully cooked.
- Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken before serving to add a touch of color and fresh herb flavor.
Notes
- Keep chicken breasts similar in size to ensure even cooking and consistent stuffing distribution.
- Pat chicken dry before slicing to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent excess moisture.
- Use a sharp knife when creating the pocket to minimize tearing and maintain chicken’s structural integrity.
- Low-moisture mozzarella works best to prevent soggy filling and help cheese melt smoothly inside chicken.
- For gluten-free option, replace Italian seasoning with dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano blend.
- Check internal temperature with meat thermometer for precise doneness and food safety.
- Can substitute mushrooms with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for alternative flavor profiles.
- Toothpicks should be removed before serving to prevent accidental biting or choking hazard.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg