Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Melted Mozzarella Recipe

Introduction

Mushroom stuffed chicken breast is a delicious and elegant dish that combines tender chicken with a savory mushroom and cheese filling. It’s perfect for a special dinner but simple enough for a weeknight treat. The juicy chicken and flavorful stuffing make every bite a delight.

Ingredients

• 3/4 tsp salt, divided
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (7 oz each)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, divided
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 7 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 3 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp thyme leaves
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, steamed and squeezed dry
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil like canola)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C fan-forced. Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Season both inside and outside with half of the salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: In a heavy-based, oven-proof skillet, melt the butter over high heat. Add mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes until golden. Add garlic, thyme, and remaining salt and pepper, then cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the mushroom mixture and top with sliced mozzarella. Use toothpicks to partially seal the openings.
4. Step 4: Wipe the skillet clean, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, and sear each stuffed chicken breast for about 1½ minutes per side until golden.
5. Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the internal chicken temperature reaches 65°C (149°F). Avoid measuring the temperature in the stuffing.
6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest loosely covered with foil for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use low-moisture part-skim mozzarella for better texture that melts well without excess moisture.
• If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or sage make good herb substitutes.
• You can swap mushrooms for finely chopped zucchini or bell peppers for a different stuffing flavor.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the mushroom mixture while cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warmed through, ensuring the chicken remains moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding it to the mushroom mixture to avoid sogginess.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature of the chicken breast reaches 65°C (149°F). This ensures it’s safe and juicy.

Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Melted Mozzarella Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 78 reviews

This Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a savory mixture of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, thyme, spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese. The chicken is seared to a golden brown before being baked to juicy perfection. A perfect dish for an elegant dinner or special occasion that combines hearty flavors with healthy ingredients.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the chicken:

• 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (7 oz each)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the mushroom stuffing:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 7 oz mushrooms, sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
• 3 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced (low-moisture, part-skim preferred)
• 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
• 1/2 tsp thyme leaves
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach (steamed and squeezed dry)

For cooking:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil like canola)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C fan-forced. While the oven heats, carefully cut a pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast on the side with the fold, making sure not to cut all the way through. Season the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with half of the salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the Mushroom Filling: In a heavy-based, oven-proof skillet, melt the butter over high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes until they start to brown. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and the remaining salt and pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until golden. Stir in the baby spinach and cook just until wilted, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat slightly to cool.
3. Stuff and Seal the Chicken: Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the mushroom mixture, then top the filling with sliced mozzarella cheese. Use toothpicks to partially seal the openings to keep the filling in place during cooking.
4. Sear the Chicken: Wipe the skillet clean with paper towels. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, then sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 1.5 minutes per side until nicely golden brown.
5. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet with seared chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 65°C (149°F) measured at the thickest part of the chicken breast, not the filling.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a plate. Loosely cover with foil and rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm with sides such as creamy baked lemon herb risotto and baby spinach with balsamic dressing for a complete meal.

Notes

• Be careful not to cut through the chicken breast when making the pocket to hold the stuffing.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella cheese for better melting and texture.
• Measuring the internal temperature of the chicken breast ensures safe cooking and juicy meat.
• Resting the chicken after baking helps retain moisture and flavor.
• Toothpicks help keep the stuffing in but do not need to seal completely.
• You can substitute mushrooms with other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini if preferred.

Keywords: stuffed chicken breast, mushroom stuffed chicken, baked chicken breast, mozzarella stuffed chicken, healthy chicken recipe, easy dinner