Description
Succulent chicken breasts dance with earthy mushroom filling in this French-inspired classic delight. Rich layers of flavor and elegance promise a memorable dinner that will transport diners straight to a charming Parisian kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Proteins:
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (cremini or button)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F, creating an ideal cooking atmosphere for the chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, introducing minced garlic and allowing its aromatic essence to emerge for approximately 30 seconds.
- Incorporate chopped mushrooms into the skillet, sautéing until they soften and release their earthy flavors, roughly 5 minutes.
- Integrate chopped spinach and dried thyme into the mushroom mixture, continuing to cook until spinach wilts completely.
- Season the vegetable blend with salt and pepper, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
- Merge the vegetable mixture with softened cream cheese and half the mozzarella, creating a rich, creamy filling.
- Carefully slice a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast, ensuring the cut does not completely separate the meat.
- Delicately stuff each chicken breast with the prepared mushroom-cheese mixture, using toothpicks to secure openings if necessary.
- Warm the remaining olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then sear stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer seared chicken to a baking dish, generously sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, verifying doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Allow chicken to rest briefly before serving, pairing with complementary sides like roasted vegetables or crisp salad.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of uniform thickness by gently pounding them to create an even surface for easier stuffing and consistent cooking.
- Keep the filling cold and firm before stuffing to prevent it from becoming too runny and help maintain the chicken’s shape during cooking.
- Consider using a meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness without overcooking, which can dry out the chicken.
- Swap cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets, maintaining the creamy texture of the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg