Elevate your dinner game with this Mushroom and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken recipe, combining tender chicken breasts with a savory mushroom filling and gooey mozzarella cheese. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or to impress guests, offering a harmonious blend of earthy mushrooms, creamy cheese, and perfectly seasoned chicken. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped (cremini or button mushrooms work best)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for added moisture)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for sealing the chicken breasts)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and chopped mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the thyme, oregano, and parsley, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the thickest part, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open each breast like a book.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the Chicken:
- Spoon an even amount of the mushroom mixture onto one side of each opened chicken breast.
- Add a layer of shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the mushroom mixture.
- Fold the other half of the chicken breast over the filling and secure the edges with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Sear the Chicken:
- In the same skillet used for the mushrooms, add a little more olive oil if needed.
- Sear each stuffed chicken breast for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds flavor and helps seal in the juices.
- Bake:
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish.
- If desired, pour the chicken broth into the baking dish for added moisture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve:
- Remove the toothpicks or twine before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad pair wonderfully with this dish.
Enjoy the rich flavors and melty mozzarella in this Mushroom and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken—a dish that’s sure to become a household favorite!