This delicious Chicken Breast with Mushroom and Cheese Filling recipe is a satisfying dish that brings together the richness of mushrooms and the creamy goodness of melted cheese, all wrapped in tender chicken breast. It’s perfect for a hearty dinner and can easily be served with side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and melted cheese creates a meal that everyone will love. This dish is not only flavorful but also simple to make with minimal ingredients.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Chicken Breast: 800 g (28 oz)
- Mayonnaise: 50 g (1.8 oz)
- Cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz)
For the Filling:
- Onion: 2 pcs
- Mushrooms: 300 g (11 oz)
- Salt: 4 g (0.1 oz)
- Black Pepper: 2 g (0.1 oz)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Take the chicken breasts and slice them horizontally to create a pocket or butterfly cut. Be careful not to slice all the way through.
- Gently pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet to even out the thickness. This helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Mushroom and Onion Filling
- Finely chop the onions and slice the mushrooms.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the onions to the pan and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the onions and cook until they are browned and softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Remove the mushroom-onion mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
- Take the prepared chicken breasts and fill each pocket with the mushroom-onion mixture. Press the filling into the chicken so that it’s evenly distributed.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the top of each stuffed chicken breast. The mayonnaise will keep the chicken moist and help form a delicious crust when baked.
- Grate the cheese and sprinkle it generously over the mayonnaise-covered chicken breasts.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Transfer the stuffed chicken breasts to a baking dish or tray lined with parchment paper.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and golden. You can check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should reach 75°C (165°F).
Step 5: Serve
- Once the chicken is cooked through and the cheese has a beautiful golden-brown color, remove the chicken breasts from the oven.
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or herbs for added flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Cheese Options: While this recipe calls for a mild cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, you can experiment with other cheeses. Try using Gouda, provolone, or even Parmesan for a more intense flavor.
- Adding Herbs: You can enhance the flavor of the dish by adding fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the mushroom filling or directly to the chicken seasoning.
- Sauce: For extra richness, consider making a simple cream sauce or gravy to serve over the chicken. A garlic butter sauce or white wine reduction pairs beautifully with this dish.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling for an extra kick.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the stuffed chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 680mg
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of meat?
- Yes! This recipe works well with other cuts of meat like pork chops or turkey breast. You can adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
- Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
- Absolutely. You can add spinach, bell peppers, or even sun-dried tomatoes to the mushroom filling for more flavor and variety.
- What can I serve with this dish?
- This chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, quinoa, or even a fresh garden salad. You can also serve it alongside sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
- Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken and filling ahead of time. Stuff the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. This is a great option if you’re preparing for a dinner party or family meal.
Conclusion: This Chicken Breast with Mushroom and Cheese Filling recipe is a simple yet elegant meal that’s sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken, savory mushroom filling, and melted cheese creates a satisfying and delicious dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether served with vegetables, pasta, or rice, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the flavors and simplicity of this delicious chicken recipe!