Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Mozzarella Recipe

Introduction

This Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delightful and flavorful dish that elevates a simple chicken breast with a savory filling of mushrooms, spinach, and melted mozzarella. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (7 oz each)
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 7 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced about 1/8″ thick
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp thyme leaves
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach (steamed and squeezed dry)
• 3 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced (low-moisture part-skim preferred)
• 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 each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Season both the inside and outside of each breast with half of the salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: In a heavy-based, oven-proof skillet, melt the butter over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes until they start to brown. Add the garlic, thyme, and the remaining salt and pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until golden. Stir in the spinach until wilted, about 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the mushroom and spinach mixture, then top with sliced mozzarella. Use toothpicks to mostly seal the openings.
4. Step 4: Wipe the skillet clean, heat the 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 preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 65°C (149°F), checking the chicken flesh temperature, not the filling.
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven and rest loosely covered with foil for 5 minutes. Serve warm with your choice of sides.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh thyme or substitute with dried for convenience. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat.
• Try swapping mozzarella for fontina or provolone for a different melting cheese flavor.
• For extra moisture, add a spoonful of cream cheese to the mushroom mixture before stuffing.
• If toothpicks are not available, kitchen twine can help secure the chicken pockets.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken tougher.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts in advance?

Yes, you can stuff and seal the chicken breasts a few hours ahead and refrigerate them. Just bring them to room temperature before searing and baking.

What can I serve with mushroom stuffed chicken breast?

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy risotto, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinegar for a balanced meal.

Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Mozzarella Recipe

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4.4 from 118 reviews

This Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a savory blend of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and fresh spinach, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. The chicken is first seared to a golden brown on the stovetop, then baked to juicy perfection in the oven, making it a delicious and elegant main dish perfect for any dinner occasion.

• Author: Lila
• 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:

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

For the Mushroom Stuffing:

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

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). Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast on the side without cutting all the way through. Season the inside and outside of each breast with half of the salt and pepper, ensuring even seasoning.
2. Prepare the Mushroom Filling: In a heavy-based, oven-proof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes until they start to turn golden. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and the remaining salt and pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until the mushrooms are richly golden. Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 30 seconds.
3. Stuff and Seal the Chicken: Carefully spoon the mushroom and spinach mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast. Top the filling with slices of mozzarella cheese. Use toothpicks to mostly seal the openings, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.
4. Sear the Chicken: Wipe the skillet clean with paper towels, then heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear each side of the stuffed chicken breasts for about 1 and a half minutes until they develop a golden-brown color.
5. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken breasts to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 65°C/149°F when measured in the thickest part of the chicken (not the stuffing).
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and place it on a plate. Loosely cover with foil and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm alongside a creamy baked lemon herb risotto and a baby spinach salad with balsamic dressing for a complete meal.

Notes

• Be careful not to cut all the way through the chicken breasts when making the pocket.
• Using fresh garlic and good quality mozzarella cheese enhances the flavor.
• Do not overfill the chicken pockets to avoid spilling during cooking.
• Ensure to measure the internal temperature of the chicken to guarantee it is fully cooked but still juicy.
• Resting the chicken before serving helps retain its juices for better texture and flavor.
• Cremini mushrooms provide an earthy flavor, but white mushrooms can be substituted if preferred.

Keywords: Mushroom stuffed chicken breast, baked chicken breast recipe, stuffed chicken, mushroom filling, healthy chicken dinner