Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken

Introduction

Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is a rich and savory dish that features succulent chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of sautéed mushrooms and gooey mozzarella cheese. Topped with a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce, this recipe is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

For the Mushrooms:
4 tablespoons butter
8 ounces brown mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken:
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to season
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
8 slices mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

For the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 cups half and half (or reduced-fat cream or evaporated milk)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons of water (optional, for a thicker sauce)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the Mushrooms: In a large oven-proof skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms, salt, pepper, and parsley, and cook until the mushrooms are soft. Set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and dried parsley, rubbing the seasoning evenly onto each breast.
4. Slice and Stuff the Chicken: Horizontally slice a pocket through the thickest part of each chicken breast. Place 2 slices of mozzarella into each pocket, then evenly divide the mushroom mixture among the chicken breasts. Top with 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese for each breast and secure the openings with toothpicks.
5. Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet used for the mushrooms, heat the remaining pan juices over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown.
6. Bake the Chicken: Cover the pan with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
7. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet with leftover pan juices, fry the minced garlic over low heat for about 1 minute. Add the Dijon mustard and half and half, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer.
8. Add Cheese and Thicken: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and any remaining mushrooms. Let the sauce simmer until the cheese melts slightly. If the sauce is too runny, add the cornstarch mixture and stir until thickened.
9. Finish and Serve: Season the sauce with salt and pepper, then stir in the chopped parsley. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Serve the chicken with the creamy garlic mushroom sauce over pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes approximately 15 minutes for preparation and 40 minutes for cooking, totaling around 55 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

• Cheese Alternatives: Swap mozzarella for provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Mushroom Variety: Use a mix of mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for added depth.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for some heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even results.
2. What can I substitute for half and half? You can use heavy cream or evaporated milk as alternatives.
3. Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, all ingredients listed are gluten-free.
4. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken and sauce in advance, then bake just before serving.
5. What should I serve with this dish? It pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
6. Can I use different herbs? Absolutely! Fresh thyme or rosemary would complement the flavors nicely.
7. What’s the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked? Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
8. Can I add vegetables to the stuffing? Yes, spinach or sun-dried tomatoes would be excellent additions.
9. How can I make the sauce thicker? Adding the cornstarch mixture will help thicken the sauce.
10. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish? You can use portobello mushrooms stuffed with cheese and the garlic sauce for a vegetarian alternative.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is a delightful and hearty dish that brings together rich flavors and comforting textures. With its creamy filling and savory sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Enjoy the deliciousness, and feel free to get creative with your own variations!

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