Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that’s packed with savory mushrooms, melty cheese, and golden, juicy chicken. The garlic butter adds that irresistible flavor, while the cheesy mushroom filling makes every bite feel indulgent and satisfying. I love making this when I want something a little fancy without a lot of fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients and steps. The mushrooms add a hearty earthiness, the cheese melts into a creamy filling, and the chicken stays tender and juicy thanks to the garlic butter sear. Whether I’m making it for a special dinner or a weeknight treat, it always impresses — and the leftovers are just as good.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Mushrooms, finely chopped (button, cremini, or a mix)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika or Italian seasoning (optional, for added flavor)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing the chicken)
Directions
- I start by slicing a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika or Italian seasoning.
- In a skillet, I heat butter and a little olive oil, then sauté the garlic until fragrant. I add the chopped mushrooms and cook until tender and most of the moisture is gone. I season them lightly and let them cool slightly.
- I mix the cooked mushrooms with shredded mozzarella (and Parmesan if I’m using it), then spoon the mixture into the pockets of each chicken breast. I secure them with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
- In the same skillet, I add a bit more oil or butter and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side.
- I transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- I let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and garnish with chopped parsley.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add spinach to the mushroom filling for an extra veggie boost, or swap the mozzarella for provolone or Swiss. For a spicy version, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If I want a crispier finish, I coat the chicken lightly with seasoned breadcrumbs before baking.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake the chicken at 350°F until warmed through or microwave it in short bursts, covering it to keep moisture in. The filling reheats well without drying out.
FAQs
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
I usually use cremini or button mushrooms, but any variety works — even a wild mushroom mix if I want more depth of flavor.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, I stuff and sear the chicken in advance, then refrigerate it until ready to bake. It makes dinner easy and quick when I’m short on time.
How do I keep the filling from leaking?
I make sure not to overstuff the chicken and secure the opening with toothpicks. Letting the mushrooms cool slightly before stuffing also helps.
Can I pan-fry instead of baking?
Yes, if the chicken breasts are thin enough, I cook them entirely on the stovetop over medium heat. Otherwise, I sear and finish them in the oven for even cooking.
What can I serve with this dish?
I serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. It’s also great with garlic bread or pasta on the side.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is one of those dishes that feels comforting and impressive all at once. The melty cheese, rich mushrooms, and juicy chicken make it a standout recipe that’s easier than it looks. Whether I’m serving it for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, it never fails to please.
Print
Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sear + Bake
- Cuisine: International / Comfort Food
Description
Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with savory mushrooms and melty cheese, seared in garlic butter and baked until golden — perfect for an indulgent yet easy dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (button, cremini, or a mix)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or sliced mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika or Italian seasoning (optional)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing the chicken)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish nearby.
- Slice a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika or Italian seasoning (if using).
- In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add chopped mushrooms and cook until they are tender and most of the moisture has evaporated. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Mix the cooked mushrooms with mozzarella (and Parmesan if using). Spoon this cheese–mushroom filling into each chicken breast pocket. Secure openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more butter or oil if needed, and sear the stuffed chicken breasts over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet (or move the chicken) to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot.
Notes
- You can add a handful of fresh spinach to the mushroom filling for extra veggies and texture.
- For a different cheesy flavor, swap mozzarella with provolone or Swiss cheese.
- For a spicy twist, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the mushroom‑cheese mixture before stuffing.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, lightly coat the outside of the chicken with seasoned breadcrumbs before searing and baking.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F to preserve juiciness — avoid microwaving too long, as the filling may dry out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
