Chicken Breast with Mushroom and Cheese Filling

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Take the chicken breasts and slice them horizontally to create a pocket or butterfly cut. Be careful not to slice all the way through.
  3. Gently pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet to even out the thickness. This helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
  4. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Mushroom and Onion Filling

  1. Finely chop the onions and slice the mushrooms.
  2. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the onions to the pan and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. 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.
  5. Remove the mushroom-onion mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Grate the cheese and sprinkle it generously over the mayonnaise-covered chicken breasts.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

  1. Transfer the stuffed chicken breasts to a baking dish or tray lined with parchment paper.
  2. 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

  1. Once the chicken is cooked through and the cheese has a beautiful golden-brown color, remove the chicken breasts from the oven.
  2. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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!