Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will redefine your perception of weeknight dinners and special occasion meals alike. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. Imagine golden, perfectly seared chicken breasts, crisp on the outside and unbelievably juicy within, generously filled with a rich, savory mixture of garlic butter mushrooms and two types of decadent cheeses. But wait, there’s more! This phenomenal Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken can be enjoyed in its glorious simplicity, bathed in its own aromatic pan juices, OR elevated further with an optional, utterly divine creamy garlic parmesan sauce. The choice, dear reader, is entirely yours, but be warned: both paths lead to culinary bliss!

This dish emerged from a dream – quite literally! I woke up in a cold sweat one night, haunted by the irresistible flavors of this chicken, knowing I had to bring it to life. And I promise you, the reality lives up to the dream. For all garlic and mushroom enthusiasts out there, this is more than just a chicken recipe; it’s a gourmet masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to achieve at home, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t have to be complicated.

Crafting the Irresistible Mushroom Filling

The magic begins with the mushrooms – the heart of our delectable stuffing. We’re talking about making the most irresistible buttery garlic mushrooms you’ve ever tasted. You’ll begin by melting rich butter in a large, oven-proof skillet, allowing it to gently brown and develop a nutty aroma. Then, minced garlic is added, releasing its pungent, inviting fragrance. Next, the sliced brown mushrooms are introduced, sautéing until they are tender, beautifully caramelized, and have released all their earthy goodness. This isn’t just about cooking mushrooms; it’s about building a profound foundation of flavor. As the mushrooms cook down, they infuse the butter with their delicious, savory juices, creating a deeply aromatic base. This luscious garlic butter, now richly imbued with mushroom essence, will later become the key to searing and finishing your chicken, transforming into a beautiful, complex brown butter that takes the entire dish to another level of culinary sophistication.

Preparing and Stuffing the Chicken Breasts

Once your aromatic mushroom filling has cooled slightly, it’s time to prepare the star of the show: the chicken. We recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, seasoned perfectly to complement the rich filling. The key to successful stuffing is to create a generous pocket within each breast without cutting all the way through. This is achieved by carefully slicing horizontally through the thickest part of the breast. Inside these perfectly crafted pockets go not one, but two types of cheese – creamy mozzarella for that classic, gooey melt, and sharp, freshly grated Parmesan for an extra layer of savory depth and complexity. Then, each pocket is generously overflowing with those incredible garlic butter mushrooms. A simple trick of using two or three toothpicks helps keep all that deliciousness securely tucked inside during the cooking process, ensuring your filling stays put and your chicken remains perfectly formed.

The Creamy Sauce Dilemma: To Sauce or Not to Sauce?

After your chicken breasts are beautifully stuffed and ready, you’ll sear them in the very same pan where the mushrooms were cooked. This step is absolutely crucial because those remaining pan juices, now combined with the browned garlic butter and mushroom drippings, are a concentrated flavor powerhouse. The chicken will develop a gorgeous, golden-brown crust, locking in moisture and absorbing even more of that rich, nutty browned butter flavor. Now, at this stage, you face a delicious, albeit challenging, decision:

Option 1: Pan Juices Perfection. Serve the chicken directly from the pan, spooning the exquisite, intensely flavored pan juices over each piece. This option highlights the pure, unadulterated flavors of the garlic butter mushrooms and perfectly cooked chicken, offering a lighter yet incredibly flavorful experience that allows the natural ingredients to shine.
Option 2: Indulgent Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce. Elevate your meal by transforming those glorious pan juices into the best creamy garlic parmesan sauce of your life. This adds an extra layer of richness, velvety texture, and profound savory notes, making for an incredibly decadent and comforting dish that’s utterly irresistible.

Decisions, decisions! Because “said sauce” is no ordinary sauce. We’re talking about a PARMESAN GARLIC CREAM SAUCE. Yes, it’s every bit as good as it sounds – rich, velvety, packed with pungent garlic and sharp Parmesan, perfectly complementing the savory, cheesy stuffed chicken. Personally, I find it impossible to pick a favorite. I’ve tested both versions with various accompaniments like pasta and rice, even spooning both the simple pan butter and the creamy sauce onto different portions to help me choose, and they both consistently win! How does one even choose when both are equally spectacular and deliver such distinct, yet equally satisfying, culinary experiences?

And if the incredible flavors weren’t enough of a culinary explosion, the generous amount of CHEESE oozing out of these Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken breasts is simply divine! Each bite offers a harmonious blend of tender, moist chicken, savory, earthy mushrooms, and melty, gooey cheese – a true symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. This dish promises an unforgettable dining experience, whether you choose the lighter pan sauce or the rich, creamy option.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Stuffed Chicken

This versatile stuffed chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, whether you opt for the simpler pan juices or the rich creamy sauce. The key is to choose accompaniments that either soak up the delicious flavors or offer a refreshing contrast. Here are some of our top suggestions to complete your meal and create a balanced, satisfying plate:

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic comfort food, mashed potatoes are the perfect canvas for soaking up all those delicious pan juices or the luscious creamy sauce. Their smooth, buttery texture contrasts wonderfully with the tender chicken and savory filling.
Fluffy Rice: A lighter and equally absorbent option, fluffy white or brown rice provides a neutral base that beautifully balances the richness of the chicken and sauce. A flavorful pilaf would also be an excellent choice.
Pasta: Whether it’s linguine, fettuccine, penne, or even a simple spaghetti, pasta is a fantastic choice, especially if you’re making the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Toss the cooked pasta directly in the sauce for a truly indulgent and cohesive meal.
Chickpea Avocado Feta Salad: For a lighter, fresher contrast, a vibrant salad adds a welcome tang and crunch. The bright flavors of balsamic dressing, fresh avocado, and salty feta can cut through the richness of the chicken, offering a refreshing counterpoint.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Simple steamed greens like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add freshness and a healthy component. Alternatively, roasted root vegetables such as carrots or potatoes can add sweetness and a delightful caramelized texture to your plate.

No matter what you choose, prepare for a meal that will impress everyone at the table. I’d love to hear which version (with or without cream sauce) and what sides YOU decide to make! Share your culinary adventures in the comments below.

More Stuffed Chicken Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the concept of perfectly stuffed chicken – a dish that’s both elegant and incredibly flavorful – we have even more incredible variations for you to try. Expand your culinary repertoire with these flavor-packed recipes that turn an ordinary chicken breast into something extraordinary:

Spinach Artichoke Dip Stuffed Chicken: A creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious spin on a classic dip, tucked inside tender chicken.
Caprese Stuffed Balsamic Chicken: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze make this a bright and vibrant choice.
Skillet Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Parmesan: All the flavors of chicken parmesan, with a cheesy surprise inside, made conveniently in one pan.
Margarita Pizza Stuffed Chicken: A fun and flavorful option inspired by your favorite pizza, perfect for a family-friendly meal.

WATCH OUR Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken BEING MADE RIGHT HERE!

Print Recipe

Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken

By
Karina

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
40 minutes

Servings:
4 serves

Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken WITH an optional Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce! ALL Garlic Mushroom lovers… this is THE chicken recipe of your dreams!

Ingredients

Mushrooms:

▢ 4 tablespoons butter
▢ 8 ounces brown mushrooms sliced
▢ 4 cloves garlic minced
▢ 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
▢ 1 pinch salt to taste
▢ 1 pinch pepper to taste

Chicken:

▢ 4 chicken breasts skinless and boneless
▢ 1 pinch salt to season
▢ 1 pinch pepper to season
▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
▢ 1 teaspoon dried parsley
▢ 8 slices mozzarella cheese
▢ 1/4 cup parmesan cheese fresh grated

Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce:

▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
▢ 2 cloves garlic large, minced or finely chopped
▢ 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
▢ 1-1/2 cups half and half or use reduced fat cream or evaporated milk
▢ 1/2 cup parmesan cheese finely grated
▢ 1 pinch salt to your tastes
▢ 1 pinch pepper to your tastes
▢ 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch cornflour mixed with 2 teaspoons of water – optional for a thicker sauce
▢ 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

Chicken:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C or 400°F.
2. Melt butter in a large (over 12-inch or 30 cm) oven-proof pan or skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add in mushrooms, salt and pepper (to your tastes), and parsley. Cook while stirring occasionally until soft. Set aside and allow to cool while preparing your chicken.
3. Pat breasts dry with a paper towel. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and dried parsley. Rub each piece to evenly coat in seasoning.
4. Horizontally slice a slit through the thickest part of each breast to form a pocket. Place 2 slices of mozzarella into each breast pocket.
5. Divide the mushroom mixture into four equal portions and fill each breast with the mushroom mixture (leave the juices in the pan for later. If there are any leftover mushrooms, don’t worry. You’ll use them later). Top the mushroom mixture with 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese per breast. Seal with two or three toothpicks near the opening to keep the mushrooms inside while cooking.
6. Heat the same pan the mushrooms were in along with the pan juices (the garlic butter will start to brown and take on a ‘nutty’ flavor). Add the chicken and sear until golden. Flip and sear on the other side until golden. Cover the pan and continue cooking in the preheated oven for a further 20 minutes, or until completely cooked through the middle and no longer pink.
7. Serve, with pan juices and any remaining mushrooms, on top of pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
8. (To make the optional cream sauce, transfer chicken to a warm plate, keeping all juices in the pan.)

Sauce:

1. Fry the garlic in the leftover pan juices until fragrant (about 1 minute). Reduce heat to low, and add the mustard and half and half (or cream).
2. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and add in any remaining mushrooms and Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer until the Parmesan cheese has melted slightly. (If the sauce is too runny for your liking, add the cornstarch/water mixture into the center of the pan and mix through fast to combine into the sauce. It will begin to thicken immediately).
3. Season with a little salt and pepper to your taste. Add in the parsley and the chicken back into the pan to serve.

Notes

*Half and Half is an American product blending equal parts whole milk and light cream. If you don’t have access to half and half, make your own with 3/4 cup full fat milk and 3/4 cup reduced fat cream.*

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this? Leave a comment below!

Tips for Success: Mastering Your Stuffed Chicken

Achieving perfectly cooked, juicy stuffed chicken is easier than you think with a few key tips and techniques:

Butterfly the Chicken Properly: The goal is to create a deep, ample pocket without cutting all the way through the chicken breast. Lay the chicken breast flat on a cutting board, place your non-dominant hand firmly on top, and use a sharp knife to carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part of the breast, stopping about an inch from the opposite side. You can also gently pound thicker breasts to an even thickness before slicing to make the pocket easier to form.
Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to load up on the delicious filling, overstuffing can make it challenging to properly seal the chicken, and it can cause the filling to spill out during cooking. Fill generously but ensure you can still secure the opening with toothpicks without excessive straining.
Secure with Toothpicks: Two or three small wooden toothpicks are usually sufficient to hold the pocket closed. Remember to remove them all before serving to avoid any surprises!
Sear for Color and Flavor: Don’t skip the searing step. This crucial process creates that beautiful golden-brown crust, locks in moisture, and develops a significant depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction. Ensure your pan is adequately hot before adding the chicken to achieve the best sear.
Monitor Internal Temperature: The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked through without drying it out is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.
Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the internal juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender, succulent, and flavorful piece of chicken.

Variations to Inspire Your Culinary Creativity

While this Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these variations to customize it to your personal preferences or what you have on hand:

Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different types of cheese! Instead of mozzarella and Parmesan, try provolone, Gruyere, fontina, white cheddar, or a blend of your favorite Italian cheeses for unique flavor profiles.
Mushroom Alternatives: Don’t limit yourself to brown mushrooms. Use cremini, shiitake, or a gourmet wild mushroom blend for different earthy notes and textures in your filling.
Additions to the Filling: Boost the flavor and nutrition of your filling with additional ingredients. Incorporate some sautéed spinach (ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture), sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), finely chopped bell peppers, caramelized onions, or even a touch of cream cheese for extra richness and creaminess.
Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs always elevate a dish. Add finely chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the mushroom mixture or sprinkle over the finished chicken for an extra layer of aromatic flavor.
Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the mushroom filling or the cream sauce can add a subtle, exciting kick.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken

Beyond its incredible taste and impressive appearance, there are so many compelling reasons to make this recipe a staple in your kitchen:

An Absolute Flavor Bomb: Every element of this dish, from the rich, savory garlic butter mushrooms to the tender, cheesy chicken and the optional decadent creamy sauce, works in perfect harmony to deliver an explosion of deliciousness with every single bite.
Impressive Yet Surprisingly Easy: This dish looks sophisticated enough to grace the table at a fancy dinner party or holiday gathering, yet it is straightforward enough for a satisfying weeknight family meal. With a total time of just about 40 minutes, it’s a gourmet meal without the gourmet effort.
Highly Customizable: Whether you prefer a lighter dish with just the aromatic pan juices or a more indulgent one with a rich, creamy sauce, this recipe offers wonderful flexibility to suit your mood, dietary preferences, or the occasion.
Versatile Pairing: The robust flavors of this stuffed chicken mean it pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, from pasta and rice to mashed potatoes and various vegetables, making it easy to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Family-Friendly Appeal: The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and gooey cheese is almost universally loved, making it a fantastic option that even picky eaters are likely to enjoy.

Whether you’re looking for an impressive dinner party dish to wow your guests or a comforting, flavor-packed weeknight treat for your family, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Its rich flavors, satisfying textures, and beautiful presentation make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Don’t just dream about delicious food – make it a reality tonight!