There’s something undeniably special about slicing into tender chicken and discovering a creamy, savory mushroom filling nestled inside. Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast is one of those unforgettable recipes that feels downright luxurious, but comes together with simple ingredients and a straightforward method you can totally master!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Restaurant-Worthy Main at Home: This Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast will wow any dinner guest—no reservations (or chef skills) required!
- Rich, Savory Flavors: Earthy mushrooms, sweet spinach, melty cheese, and garlic turn everyday chicken into a showstopper.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: There’s nothing fancy here—just honest, accessible staples crafted into something memorable.
- Perfect for Prep or Last-Minute Meals: You can make this on a busy weeknight or prepare ahead for guaranteed dinner success!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with just a handful of honest ingredients—each one chosen to build layers of flavor and to give Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast its irresistible, melty finish. Don’t skip or swap the essentials; they’re what make this dish so special!
- Chicken breast: You want plump, boneless, skinless chicken breasts—their size and shape are perfect for stuffing with hearty fillings.
- Salt and pepper: Even seasoning inside and out brings out the full flavor of your chicken and mushrooms.
- Unsalted butter: Butter infuses richness into the mushrooms and helps develop a gorgeous golden filling.
- Mushrooms: Sliced white or cremini mushrooms add an earthy, juicy punch—slice them thin for the best texture.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds bold aroma and delicious savory depth to the filling.
- Thyme leaves: Thyme offers a hint of woodsy fragrance that pairs dreamily with mushrooms—use fresh or dried.
- Baby spinach: Wilts down perfectly and sneaks a touch of color and nutrition into every bite.
- Mozzarella: Melty cheese binds the filling, keeping it creamy and decadent! Swap for another favorite melting cheese if you wish.
- Olive oil: For that perfect golden sear on your stuffed chicken.
- Toothpicks: Essential for securing the chicken pockets and keeping all that goodness inside!
Variations
It’s easy to make Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast truly your own! Mix and match herbs, cheeses, and even veggies to tailor this recipe to your cravings or pantry staples.
- Different cheese, different mood: Swap mozzarella for Gruyère or provolone for a nutty, bolder filling—or use goat cheese for extra creaminess.
- Switch up the greens: Use kale, chopped Swiss chard, or even shredded cabbage for a rustic twist instead of spinach.
- Boost the herbs: Try rosemary, oregano, or a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley if you don’t have thyme.
- Add a bit of heat: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the mushroom mixture for a subtle kick.
How to Make Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and placing them on a cutting board. Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally along the thicker side, making sure not to cut all the way through—think of it like creating a pita pocket! Season both inside and outside of each breast with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushroom Filling
Melt butter in an oven-proof skillet over high heat. Toss in your sliced mushrooms and let them sizzle and brown for about three minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic, thyme, and the remaining salt and pepper, and keep cooking until the mushrooms are deeply golden and full of flavor. Stir in the baby spinach until wilted—this only takes 30 seconds!
Step 3: Stuff and Secure the Chicken
Spoon the fragrant mushroom mixture into each chicken pocket, packing it in gently but generously. Tuck slices of mozzarella inside with the mushrooms. Use toothpicks to secure the open edge—the goal is to keep as much filling inside as possible, but don’t stress about sealing it perfectly!
Step 4: Sear for Flavor
Wipe your skillet clean, add olive oil, and heat it up over medium-high. Lay the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan and sear both sides for about 1½ minutes each, until they’re beautifully golden and the outside starts to crisp up. This step locks in flavor and gives your dish that irresistible caramelized crust.
Step 5: Finish in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 200°C/390°F. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the chicken reads 65°C/149°F. Remove from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let the chicken rest for five minutes to keep it extra juicy.
Pro Tips for Making Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Cut the Perfect Pocket: Always slice from the thickest edge, leaving the smooth side untouched—this helps your Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast stay together beautifully.
- Golden Mushrooms, Maximum Flavor: Don’t rush the browning step! Let those mushrooms caramelize for deeply savory notes you’ll love.
- Cheese Placement Matters: Tuck the cheese near the center of the mushroom mixture so it melts without immediately oozing out when baked.
- Temperature Check for Juicy Chicken: Use a meat thermometer and pull your chicken at 65°C/149°F for guaranteed juicy, never-dry results.
How to Serve Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
Garnishes
For that finishing touch, try showering your Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast with fresh chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or even a few extra thyme leaves. A quick drizzle of pan juices or balsamic reduction adds glossy appeal and a pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish absolutely shines alongside creamy baked risotto, simple mashed potatoes, or buttery roasted veggies. If you want a lighter vibe, pair it with a bright green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette—just like pictured in the original post!
Creative Ways to Present
Slicing the chicken breast on a slight diagonal reveals those gorgeous layers of earthy filling and melty cheese—arrange the slices fan-style across each plate for a gourmet look. For family-style gatherings, serve the breasts whole and let everyone cut into their own “surprise” on the plate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast left after dinner, simply let them cool, then wrap tightly or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll stay juicy and flavorful!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these stuffed chicken breasts—just wrap each one individually with plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a covered baking dish and warm gently in a 170°C/340°F oven until heated through. A quick zap (in short bursts!) in the microwave works for lunch, but oven reheating preserves the best texture.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they’re large enough to hold a generous amount of filling and easy to butterfly into pockets. Thighs don’t have the same structure and won’t work for stuffing in quite the same way, but they’re great for other recipes!
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What kind of mushrooms work best for Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Either white button mushrooms or cremini (baby bella) mushrooms are fantastic. They both cook down quickly and deliver rich earthiness, but feel free to experiment with a mix of wild mushrooms if you’re feeling bold!
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How do I know my stuffed chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature at the thickest part should reach 65°C/149°F (just the chicken, not the filling). Always rest for 5 minutes after baking for juicy results.
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Can I prep Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the mushroom filling and stuff the chicken up to a day ahead—just cover and refrigerate until ready to sear and bake. It’s a beautiful make-ahead dish for entertaining.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that brings big flavor, elegance, and sheer satisfaction in every bite, you simply have to try Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast. This is one of those dishes that makes dinner feel like a real celebration—no matter the day of the week. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious forkful!
PrintMushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a delicious and elegant dish perfect for a special dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a savory mushroom mixture, topped with melty cheese, and baked to perfection.
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
- Cut pockets into chicken breasts: Cut pockets into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
- Season chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Mushroom filling: Cook mushrooms with butter, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and spinach.
- Stuff chicken: Fill chicken pockets with mushroom mixture and top with cheese.
- Sear chicken: Sear chicken on each side until golden.
- Bake: Bake chicken in the oven until cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Rest chicken before serving.
Notes
- Chicken breast is required for this recipe as it’s the right shape to cut pockets and the right size to hold enough filling.
- Other herbs can be used as substitutes.
- Baby spinach can be substituted with other greens like kale or cabbage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 575 cal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1409mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: NA
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 60g
- Cholesterol: 205mg