This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is one of those recipes that feels like a special occasion meal—even when I make it on a random Tuesday. Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy mushroom filling and cooked to golden perfection in garlic butter. The combination of flavors is rich, savory, and completely satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. The garlic butter adds a deep, rich flavor while the creamy mushroom filling keeps the chicken moist and decadent. It’s perfect for dinner guests, date nights, or anytime I want a protein-packed meal that feels indulgent without being complicated.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing the chicken)
Directions
- Preheat and Prep:
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. I then use a sharp knife to carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. - Make the Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, I melt 1 tablespoon of the butter and sauté the chopped mushrooms for about 4–5 minutes, until they’re soft and their moisture has evaporated. I let them cool slightly, then mix them with the cream cheese and mozzarella in a bowl. - Stuff the Chicken:
I spoon the cheesy mushroom mixture into each chicken pocket, pressing it in evenly. I use toothpicks to secure the edges so the filling doesn’t spill out during cooking. - Sear the Chicken:
In the same skillet, I melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute. I add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. - Bake to Finish:
I transfer the skillet to the oven (or move the chicken to a baking dish) and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F or 74°C). - Serve:
I let the chicken rest for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks. I drizzle it with any garlic butter from the pan and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 40 minutes total, including prep, searing, and baking time. It’s a great option when I want something a little fancy without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Variations
- I sometimes add chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- For a sharper cheese flavor, I mix in some grated Parmesan with the mozzarella.
- If I’m short on cream cheese, I’ve used ricotta or Boursin as a delicious substitute.
- To make it spicy, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mushroom mixture.
- I’ve also topped it with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil before baking for a golden crust.
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 300°F or in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel to keep the chicken moist. I don’t recommend freezing once cooked, as the texture of the filling can change.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! I prep and stuff the chicken in advance, then refrigerate until ready to cook. It’s perfect for prepping earlier in the day or even the night before.
What mushrooms work best?
I usually use cremini or white button mushrooms, but portobello or shiitake add a deeper flavor if I have them on hand.
Can I grill instead of bake?
Absolutely. I sear the stuffed chicken first, then finish it on indirect heat on the grill with the lid closed until it reaches 165°F.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this dish is naturally low in carbs and high in fat and protein—perfect for a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
What can I serve this with?
I love pairing it with roasted veggies, mashed cauliflower, or a fresh green salad. It also goes great with garlic butter rice or sautéed spinach.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is a delicious blend of creamy, garlicky, and savory flavors that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough for any night of the week. It’s a standout dish that never fails to impress, and it always leaves me looking forward to leftovers—if there are any!
PrintCheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a rich, cheesy mushroom filling and seared in garlic butter before being baked to perfection. This dish is indulgent, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing the chicken)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Slice a pocket into each breast without cutting all the way through.
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Sauté mushrooms for 4–5 minutes until soft. Let cool slightly, then mix with cream cheese and mozzarella in a bowl.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the mushroom mixture and secure with toothpicks.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add stuffed chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer skillet to the oven (or place chicken in a baking dish) and bake for 15–20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for a few minutes, remove toothpicks, drizzle with pan juices, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for extra flavor.
- Mix in grated Parmesan for a sharper cheese taste.
- Substitute cream cheese with ricotta or Boursin if needed.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Top with breadcrumbs and olive oil before baking for a crunchy crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg