If you’re searching for the ultimate dinner that brings restaurant-worthy flavor to your own kitchen, look no further than this Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast! Imagine juicy chicken fillets enveloping a savory mushroom-spinach filling, all bubbling gently with melted cheese. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and yet so elegant, you’ll crave a second helping every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist & Flavorful Chicken: Searing and baking the chicken breast ensures every bite is juicy, with a golden crust you’ll love sinking your fork into.
- Savory, Cheesy Mushroom Filling: The mix of buttery mushrooms, tender spinach, and gooey mozzarella brings decadent comfort and umami-packed flavor.
- Easy for Weeknights or Impressing Guests: Despite its gourmet finish, this stuffed chicken comes together with everyday pantry ingredients and basic kitchen skills.
- Customizable for Any Diet: Make it your own with different cheeses, greens, or herbs—Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast adapts deliciously to personal tastes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast shine is how such simple ingredients work in harmony! Each one—from earthy mushrooms to creamy mozzarella and fragrant herbs—plays a starring role in flavor, juiciness, and eye appeal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breast (skinless, boneless): The perfect cut for creating a pocket to stuff with all that goodness; it stays moist baked and juicy.
- Salt & pepper: Seasoning inside and out guarantees every layer is properly flavored.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the mushrooms caramelize for incredible depth of flavor.
- Mushrooms: Choose button, cremini, or your favorite variety; sliced to just the right thickness, they become golden and savory.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves, but they make the filling aromatic and savory.
- Thyme leaves: A touch of thyme brings subtle, herby brightness—dried or fresh both work delightfully.
- Baby spinach: Wilts down beautifully and adds vibrant color plus a pop of nutrition to the filling.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into a luscious blanket inside the chicken; swap in another melting cheese if you wish.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken breasts to golden perfection before baking.
Variations
This Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast is the ultimate adaptable meal! Mix up the ingredients to suit what you love, or use up what’s on hand—swapping veggies, cheese, or herbs is as easy as it is delicious. Here are a few ways to put your own spin on it:
- Go Mediterranean: Swap in feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for the mozzarella and spinach for a sun-kissed twist.
- Make It Creamy: Stir a spoonful of cream cheese into the mushroom filling for even more luscious richness.
- Try Different Greens: Use chopped kale or Swiss chard if spinach isn’t available, or even thinly sliced zucchini for a fresh flavor.
- Add a Crunch: Top the stuffed chicken with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs before baking for a golden, crisp finish.
How to Make Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Breasts
Start by carefully cutting a pocket into each chicken breast. Place your hand flat on top and use a sharp knife to cut through the side with the natural fold, but don’t slice all the way through—you want a “pocket” that holds the filling but keeps the smooth side intact. Season both the inside and outside with salt and pepper so every bite sings with flavor.
Step 2: Make the Mushroom & Spinach Filling
Heat butter in an oven-proof skillet and add your sliced mushrooms. Cook over high heat for about 3 minutes, letting them turn gloriously golden. Next, stir in the garlic, thyme, and the remaining seasoning, cooking for two more minutes until everything is fragrant and deeply caramelized. Add the baby spinach and stir just until wilted—this only takes about 30 seconds!
Step 3: Stuff and Seal
Spoon the savory mushroom and spinach mixture into the pocket of each seasoned chicken breast, packing it gently but generously. Layer slices of mozzarella over the filling. Secure the open side with toothpicks—don’t worry about sealing it tightly like Chicken Kiev, just enough to keep the goodness inside as it bakes.
Step 4: Sear for Flavor
Give your skillet a quick wipe, then pour in the olive oil and heat over medium-high. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for about 1 ½ minutes per side, just until beautifully golden and caramelized—this not only locks in moisture, it adds irresistible flavor!
Step 5: Bake & Rest
Pop the skillet into a hot oven (200°C/390°F) and bake for 15 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 65°C/149°F. Once done, transfer the Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast onto a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes to keep it juicy.
Pro Tips for Making Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Master the Chicken Pocket: Use a small, sharp knife and keep your hand steady when slicing. If you’re unsure, start at the thickest end and stop just before you reach the other side for neat, generously-sized pockets.
- The Golden Mushroom Secret: Don’t overcrowd your skillet! Sauté mushrooms in a single layer for golden caramelization—pale, steamed mushrooms just won’t pack the same flavor punch.
- Toothpick Trick: Angle the toothpicks slightly so they stay put during baking, and always remind your guests to watch out for them when slicing into the chicken.
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: If you have a cast iron or stainless skillet, it makes transferring from stovetop to oven a breeze and keeps everything beautifully juicy.
How to Serve Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme adds color and a bright, aromatic finish to your Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast. For a touch of restaurant-worthy polish, a quick drizzle of pan juices over the chicken just before serving makes each plate look and taste irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish loves cozy, creamy sides—think baked lemon herb risotto, buttery mashed potatoes, or a simple pile of steamed green beans. If you’d like to keep things lighter, toss together a crisp garden salad or serve with garlicky sautéed broccoli for a fresh crunch that balances the savoriness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Arrange slices of the stuffed chicken on a platter in a fan shape, surround with vibrant roasted veggies, or place on a bed of fluffy risotto. For extra flair, serve individual portions already sliced to show off that beautiful mushroom filling and gooey cheese inside—it makes every plate feel like a chef’s special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast keeps beautifully in the fridge! Let it cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, ready to make your next meal feel extra special.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked stuffed chicken breasts for longer storage. Once fully cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for dinner in a flash.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stuffed chicken on a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 170°C/340°F oven until piping hot and the cheese is melty again. You can microwave in a pinch, but the oven keeps the chicken moist and the crust invitingly crisp.
FAQs
-
Can I make Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the mushroom filling and even stuff the chicken breasts a few hours ahead—just cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready, sear and bake as directed. It’s a dream for smooth entertaining or weeknight planning.
-
What mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Button, cremini, or even shiitake mushrooms all work well for Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast. Choose firm, fresh mushrooms for the best texture and flavor. Slice them evenly to ensure an even golden finish when sautéed.
-
Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes! Any good melting cheese—provolone, gruyere, fontina, or Swiss—will work beautifully. Each adds its own twist, so use your favorite or whatever you have on hand for a personal touch.
-
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken (not in the filling); you’re looking for 65°C/149°F. Also, the juices should run clear and the cheese should be satisfyingly melted.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving something a little bit special but totally doable on a busy night, this Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast is your new go-to. I hope you’ll give it a try—your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to join you at the table) will thank you. Happy cooking!
PrintMushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and flavorful Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe that is perfect for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a savory mushroom mixture and gooey cheese, creating a satisfying dish that will impress your guests!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 x 220g / 7oz chicken breast , skinless boneless
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Mushroom Filling:
- 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 200g / 7 oz mushrooms , sliced 3mm (1/8″) thick (~2 heaped cups)
- 2 garlic cloves , finely minced
- 1/2 tsp thyme leaves
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 80 g / 3oz mozzarella , sliced (or other melting cheese)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C/390°F (180°F fan). Cut pockets into each chicken breast, being sure not to cut all the way through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mushroom filling: Melt butter in a skillet, add mushrooms, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stuff chicken: Fill chicken pockets with mushroom mixture and cheese. Sear in a pan, then bake for 15 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Rest chicken, then serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Chicken breast is necessary for this recipe to hold the filling well.
- Feel free to customize the herb choices in the filling.
- Substitute baby spinach with other greens if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg