Cheesy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or sharp white cheddar if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing the chicken

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms are golden brown and the garlic is fragrant. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix Cheese and Parsley: Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese and parsley. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
4. Prepare Chicken Breasts: Create a pocket in each chicken breast by making a horizontal slit through the thickest part, being careful not to cut all the way through.
5. Stuff Chicken Breasts: Stuff each chicken breast with the mushroom and cheese mixture, securing the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
6. Season Chicken: Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Sear Chicken Breasts: In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. Bake: Transfer the chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. If you have leftover mushrooms, feel free to place them on top or around the chicken. Garnish with more cheese as desired.
9. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Variations & Tips

• Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or brie for varied flavors.
• Nutty Flavor: Substitute half of the mushrooms with finely chopped walnuts for a nuttier taste.
• Even Cooking: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before stuffing them.
• Extra Ingredients: Add leftover spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
• Time-Saving Tips: Use pre-sliced mushrooms and garlic powder instead of fresh garlic to expedite the prep process.
• Juicy Chicken: Always let your chicken rest after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring your stuffed chicken breast remains moist and full of flavor.