Savory muffins aren’t just for breakfast—they’re your next favorite lunch, dinner, or snack option. These Chicken and Mushroom Muffins with Mozzarella are a protein-packed, flavor-rich alternative to traditional baked dishes. Baked in muffin tins, each portion is perfectly sized, easy to serve, and wonderfully portable.
Combining sautéed chicken breast, tender mushrooms, and gooey mozzarella cheese, these muffins are baked until golden and bubbly. They’re great warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a quick bite on the go. With a few simple spices like paprika, salt, and pepper, they pack a punch without needing anything fancy.
Cooking Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
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300 g (10.5 oz) chicken breast, cut into small cubes
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150 g (5.3 oz) fresh mushrooms, sliced
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100 g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
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Salt, to taste
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Ground black pepper, to taste
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Sweet paprika powder, to taste
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1–2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for cooking)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 180°C (360°F). Grease or line a standard 6- or 12-cup muffin tin.
2. Cook the chicken
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the diced chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a generous sprinkle of sweet paprika.
3. Sauté the mushrooms
In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté the sliced mushrooms until they’ve released their moisture and browned, about 5–7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
4. Combine the filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken and mushrooms. Add the shredded mozzarella and stir to combine. Taste the mix and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Fill muffin tins
Divide the mixture evenly into the muffin cups, pressing down gently to help them hold their shape.
6. Bake
Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden, cheese is melted, and edges look crisp.
7. Cool and serve
Let the muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes before removing. Serve warm, or allow to cool completely for storage.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, based on 6 servings)
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Calories: 190 kcal
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Protein: 20 g
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Fat: 11 g
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Carbohydrates: 2 g
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Fiber: 0.5 g
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Sugar: 0.5 g
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Sodium: 280 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
The concept of savory muffins has gained popularity in recent years thanks to low-carb diets and the rise of protein-rich, portable meals. They borrow from the traditions of quiche and frittata but use less dairy and are easier to make and portion. Chicken and mushrooms, a classic duo in European and Asian cuisines, make this muffin recipe both familiar and universally appealing. The simplicity of this dish and its high protein content has made it especially popular among health-conscious eaters and busy home cooks.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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High-protein and low-carb
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Quick and easy to prepare
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Great for meal prep or on-the-go meals
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Customizable with your favorite add-ins
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Cheesy, meaty, and satisfying with every bite
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Kid-friendly and adult-approved
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No fancy equipment needed
Health Benefits
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Chicken breast provides lean protein essential for muscle repair and satiety.
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Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
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Mozzarella cheese adds calcium and protein.
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Paprika contains capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism.
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Low-carb and gluten-free (if made without flour or bread crumbs).
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a side salad for a light lunch.
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Pair with roasted vegetables for a hearty dinner.
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Wrap in foil and pack in lunchboxes or picnic baskets.
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Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra richness.
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Serve with avocado slices or fresh tomatoes for breakfast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Undercooking the chicken: Always cook chicken fully before baking—it won’t cook thoroughly just in the muffin tin.
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Overfilling the tins: Leave space at the top of each cup so the cheese can bubble without overflowing.
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Using watery mushrooms: Cook mushrooms until moisture evaporates to avoid soggy muffins.
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Skipping seasoning: Salt and paprika are crucial to enhancing the flavor—don’t skimp.
Pairing Recommendations
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Drink: A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy iced tea
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Side dish: Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a cucumber–dill yogurt dip
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Bread pairing: Whole wheat toast or sourdough wedges
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Sauce: Garlic aioli, hot sauce, or tzatziki for dipping
Cooking Tips
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Make it ahead: These muffins keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days and can be frozen up to 2 months.
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Add veggies: Sneak in chopped spinach, grated zucchini, or bell peppers for more nutrition.
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Make it creamy: Mix in a spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream before baking.
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Top it off: Sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan on top for a crusty finish.
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Use silicone muffin liners to make cleanup and removal easier.
Similar Recipes to Try
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Chicken Zucchini Egg Muffins
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Turkey and Broccoli Breakfast Muffins
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Mushroom and Spinach Egg Bites
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Chicken Parmesan Cups
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Tuna Melt Muffin Bakes
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Cauliflower Cheddar Muffins
Variations to Try
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Add grains: Mix in cooked quinoa or brown rice to stretch the recipe.
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Go vegetarian: Skip chicken and add more mushrooms, spinach, or black beans.
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Spice it up: Add chili flakes, chopped jalapeños, or Cajun seasoning.
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Make mini versions: Use mini muffin tins for bite-sized party snacks.
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Go dairy-free: Use dairy-free mozzarella or nutritional yeast instead.
Ingredient Spotlight
Chicken Breast
A lean source of protein, chicken breast is ideal for recipes where flavor is built through seasonings. It’s versatile and absorbs spices well while remaining tender when sautéed.
Mushrooms
These earthy gems provide not only flavor and umami but also fiber, selenium, and antioxidants. They bulk up the filling without adding extra calories.
Mozzarella Cheese
With its perfect melting quality and creamy texture, mozzarella binds the mixture and creates a gooey finish that holds everything together.
Conclusion
These Chicken & Mushroom Savory Muffins are a must-try for anyone seeking a balanced, savory, and satisfying meal in a compact form. They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and flexible enough to suit almost any diet or taste. Whether you’re planning a quick dinner or prepping for the week, this recipe delivers consistent flavor, great nutrition, and happy eaters. Once you try it, you’ll be baking these again and again.