Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken

Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is a mouthwatering recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and savory stuffing of creamy cheese, aromatic garlic butter, and earthy mushrooms. It’s the ultimate dish for impressing guests or treating your family to a delightful meal. When cooked correctly, this stuffed chicken is juicy, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a simple dinner, this dish promises to deliver both in taste and presentation.

But to master the art of cooking stuffed chicken breasts, you need to understand a few critical aspects. From the right temperature to the best cheeses for stuffing, there are key elements to consider in order to achieve that perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breast with a cheesy, garlic-infused filling. Let’s dive into the specifics to help you make the perfect Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken.

If you’re looking for more chicken recipes, check out our Air Fryer Chicken Breasts, Baked Ranch Chicken, and Chicken Caesar Salad for a variety of flavorful meal ideas.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is a mouthwatering recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and savory stuffing of creamy cheese, aromatic garlic butter, and earthy mushrooms. It’s the ultimate dish for impressing guests or treating your family to a delightful meal. When cooked correctly, this stuffed chicken is juicy, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 

  4 chicken breasts

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Olive oil for searing

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
3. Add chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sautéed mushrooms. Stir well to combine.
5. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the center of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
6. Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese and mushroom mixture, securing with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
7. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
8. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked. Feel free to use your favorite cheese combinations.

• Author: EVA
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Oven
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: chicken, stuffed chicken, garlic butter, cheese, mushrooms

Understanding the Perfect Temperature for Stuffed Chicken

What Temperature Should a Stuffed Chicken Breast Be When It’s Done?

The key to ensuring your stuffed chicken breasts are perfectly cooked is reaching the correct internal temperature. Stuffed chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked at the thickest part of the chicken. This ensures that both the chicken and the filling are safe to eat.

Cooking stuffed chicken breasts to this exact temperature will give you a juicy and tender result. If the temperature is too low, the chicken will be undercooked and potentially unsafe to eat. On the other hand, cooking past 165°F will result in dry chicken. Therefore, it is essential to use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

How to Achieve the Perfect Temperature

To ensure your stuffed chicken breast reaches the ideal temperature without overcooking, follow these steps:

1. Sear the Chicken: First, brown the chicken in a hot skillet to develop a crisp, golden crust. This will help seal in the juices.
2. Finish in the Oven: After searing, transfer the chicken to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) to finish cooking. The oven provides even heat, allowing the chicken to cook through without burning the stuffing.
3. Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the chicken. Remember to avoid poking the thermometer into the stuffing itself.

By following this method, your stuffed chicken will cook evenly, and the stuffing will stay perfectly intact. If you’re unsure, always err on the side of caution by checking the temperature frequently.

Choosing the Best Cheese for Stuffed Chicken

What is the Best Cheese to Stuff a Chicken Breast With?

Choosing the right cheese is key to creating a filling that’s rich, creamy, and complements the chicken without overpowering it. The best cheeses for stuffing a chicken breast are those that melt well and balance the savory flavors of the garlic butter and mushrooms. Some of the best options include:

1. Cream Cheese: This is a popular choice because it has a smooth, creamy texture that blends beautifully with garlic butter. Cream cheese will make your stuffing rich and decadent.
2. Mozzarella: If you’re looking for a cheese that melts into a gooey, stretchy filling, mozzarella is the way to go. Its mild flavor works well with stronger seasonings like garlic and herbs.
3. Cheddar: For a sharper flavor, cheddar is an excellent choice. It’s a versatile cheese that melts well and adds a deeper richness to the stuffing.
4. Swiss Cheese: Swiss has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the savory mushrooms and garlic butter.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of these cheeses to create a stuffing that matches your flavor profile. For example, mozzarella and cheddar together can give you both gooeyness and sharpness, while cream cheese with Swiss results in a smooth, rich filling.

Cooking Time for Stuffed Chicken Breasts

How Long Do Stuffed Chicken Breasts Take in the Oven?

Stuffed chicken breasts typically take 25 to 30 minutes to cook in the oven at 375°F (190°C). However, cooking times may vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. For even cooking, it’s important to avoid overly thick breasts, as they may require more time to cook through.

To get the best results, always check the internal temperature of the chicken. Once it reaches 165°F (74°C), it’s ready to be removed from the oven. If you’re cooking multiple stuffed chicken breasts, keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly longer if they are packed tightly together.

How to Cook Stuffed Chicken Breasts Evenly

To ensure that your stuffed chicken breasts cook evenly, follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven Properly: Always preheat your oven before placing the chicken in. This ensures the chicken cooks at the right temperature from the start.
2. Brown the Chicken First: Sear the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat to create a crispy crust. This not only adds flavor but also helps lock in the moisture. After browning both sides, transfer the chicken to the oven.
3. Use Aluminum Foil: If you’re worried about the stuffing burning, you can cover the chicken loosely with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes. This will help trap moisture and keep the chicken juicy. Uncover it for the last few minutes to brown the top.

The Role of Garlic in Chicken Dishes

Should I Put Garlic in Butter Chicken?

Absolutely! Garlic is a perfect match for butter and chicken, as it brings a savory and aromatic depth to the dish. For stuffed chicken, using garlic butter as part of the filling is a game changer. The garlic’s pungency is balanced by the richness of the butter, creating a flavorful base for the stuffing.

In this recipe, garlic butter is used to sauté the mushrooms, and it also contributes to the overall moisture and flavor of the stuffing. If you love garlic, don’t hesitate to add more to the butter mixture to intensify the flavor.

Garlic’s Flavor Profile in Stuffed Chicken

Garlic provides a sharp, slightly spicy flavor that enhances the chicken’s savory taste. When combined with butter, the garlic becomes mellow and aromatic, infusing the chicken with a deep, rich flavor. If you want to elevate the garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic before adding it to the butter, giving it a sweeter, more mellow taste that complements the chicken beautifully.

Tips for Perfectly Stuffed Chicken

How to Stuff a Chicken Breast Without It Falling Apart

Stuffing a chicken breast can be tricky, but following a few key steps will help ensure that your chicken stays intact throughout cooking. Here’s how to do it:

1. Create a Pocket: Use a sharp knife to carefully slice a pocket into the thickest part of the chicken breast. Make sure not to cut all the way through, leaving the edges intact to hold the stuffing.
2. Don’t Overstuff: When filling the chicken, avoid packing the stuffing too tightly. Overstuffing can cause the filling to leak out as it cooks.
3. Seal the Chicken: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the opening of the chicken once it’s stuffed. This helps prevent the stuffing from spilling out during cooking.

Preparing the Garlic Butter Mushroom Filling

What Goes Into the Garlic Butter Mushroom Filling?

The garlic butter mushroom filling is a key component of this dish. It combines fresh mushrooms, butter, garlic, and optional herbs like rosemary or thyme. The mushrooms provide an earthy flavor, while the garlic and butter create a rich, savory base for the stuffing.

To prepare the filling, simply sauté the mushrooms in garlic butter until they release their moisture and become tender. Add any herbs or seasonings you desire for extra depth of flavor. Let the filling cool slightly before using it to stuff the chicken breasts.

How to Achieve the Perfect Mushroom Texture

To get the right texture, cook the mushrooms over medium heat to allow them to brown and caramelize. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the mushrooms to steam instead of sear. The goal is to get the mushrooms golden and tender, releasing their moisture but still holding their shape in the filling.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken

What to Serve with Stuffed Chicken

When serving Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken, it’s important to pair it with side dishes that complement the rich, savory flavors. Consider these options:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the garlic butter chicken.
• Steamed Vegetables: A light vegetable like broccoli or asparagus will balance the richness of the chicken.
• Garlic Bread: If you’re craving something a bit more indulgent, garlic bread is a great addition.

If you’re looking for more ideas, our Chicken Caesar Salad can serve as a fresh, crunchy side to balance the meal.

Troubleshooting Common Stuffed Chicken Issues

What to Do if the Chicken is Dry

If your stuffed chicken turns out dry, it’s usually because it’s been overcooked. To prevent this, always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) but no higher. If you’ve already overcooked it, you can save the dish by serving it with extra garlic butter or a creamy sauce, which will help moisten the chicken.

What to Do if the Stuffing Leaks Out

If the stuffing leaks out of the chicken, it’s likely due to one of two reasons: either the chicken wasn’t sealed properly, or it was overstuffed. Ensure you’re sealing the chicken tightly with toothpicks or kitchen twine, and avoid overstuffing. The stuffing should be evenly distributed without bulging out of the chicken.

Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page and save this recipe to Pinterest for more delicious dishes and culinary inspiration!

FAQS