Mediterranean Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken
This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a Mediterranean-inspired, flavor-packed dish. Juicy chicken is stuffed with a creamy mushroom and cheese filling, then seared and baked to golden perfection. The garlic butter adds richness, while optional extras like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or feta give it that unmistakable Mediterranean flair. Perfect for a comforting dinner that feels elegant without being complicated.
Time: 45 minutes (15 minutes prep, 30 minutes cooking)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
(Optional) Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika – for extra seasoning
For the Filling:
1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (cremini or button)
½ cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
(Optional) ½ cup spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes (chopped)
(Optional) Feta or goat cheese in place of or alongside mozzarella
For Garlic Butter & Topping:
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley for garnish)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Olive oil, for searing
Instructions
Preheat oven:
Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare filling:
In a skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add chopped mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and golden.
In a bowl, combine the mushrooms with cream cheese, mozzarella, and any optional add-ins like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Mix until creamy.
Prepare chicken breasts:
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Carefully slice a pocket into the side of each breast (do not cut through).
Stuff the chicken:
Spoon the creamy mushroom mixture into each pocket. Use toothpicks to secure if needed.
Sear the chicken:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat 1–2 tablespoons olive oil. Add stuffed chicken breasts and sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Remove from heat.
Make garlic butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter and stir in garlic, thyme, and parsley. Pour over the chicken in the skillet.
Bake:
Sprinkle Parmesan on top, then transfer skillet to oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with roasted vegetables, a light salad, or couscous for a Mediterranean touch.
Tips & Variations
Cheese options: Swap mozzarella for feta or goat cheese to bring in more Mediterranean flavor. For a creamier texture, mix in ricotta.
Extra filling: Add chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichokes for a heartier and more colorful stuffing.
Make it spicier: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika with the garlic butter.
Low-carb option: Serve with roasted zucchini, eggplant, or cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb Mediterranean meal.
Meal prep friendly: Assemble and stuff the chicken ahead of time, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and bake when ready.
Crispy topping: Add a light layer of breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan before baking for extra crunch.
Don’t overstuff: Keep the filling modest so it doesn’t spill out during cooking. Use toothpicks to help keep it secure.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can work, but they are smaller. You may need to reduce the filling or use more thighs to hold it all.
Q: How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Use toothpicks to secure the opening and avoid overfilling. Baking in a snug dish also helps.
Q: Can I make this without an oven-safe skillet?
Absolutely. Sear the chicken in a regular pan, then transfer it to a baking dish before adding garlic butter and baking.
Q: Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes. Store cooked stuffed chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep it juicy.
Q: What side dishes go best with it?
Mediterranean salad, roasted vegetables, couscous, or lemony rice pair beautifully with this recipe.
Nutrition
(per serving, 1 of 4 stuffed chicken breasts)
(Approximate values, will vary with ingredients used)
Calories: 410
Protein: 42 g
Fat: 23 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2 g
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is a comforting yet elegant dish that combines tender chicken with a savory, creamy filling. The garlic butter infuses richness while optional add-ins like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or feta take it up a notch. It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for guests. Pair it with light Mediterranean sides for a complete meal that balances indulgence with freshness.