These cheesy mushroom stuffed chicken breasts are not only visually appealing but also packed with amazing flavors. Perfect for a special dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is a surefire hit.

Ingredients needed:

4 chicken breasts

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon sea salt (divided)

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

4 oz can of sliced mushrooms (roughly chopped)

4 oz cream cheese (softened)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 clove garlic (minced)

4 slices bacon

How to Make:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s ready to go once your chicken breasts are prepped and stuffed.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on a sturdy cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side of each breast. Aim for the center to ensure the stuffing stays inside during cooking. Be cautious not to cut all the way through to the other side.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine paprika, half of the sea salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to create an even seasoning blend. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 4: Prepare the Stuffing

In a mixing bowl, soften the cream cheese by stirring it gently. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and the remaining sea salt. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Add Mushrooms to the Stuffing

Drain the canned mushrooms and chop them into large chunks. Incorporate these into the cream cheese mixture, stirring well to distribute the mushrooms evenly.

Step 6: Stuff the Chicken Breasts

Divide the cream cheese mixture into four equal parts. Using a spoon, fill each chicken breast pocket with one part of the mixture. Ensure the stuffing is tucked in deeply to prevent it from oozing out during baking.

Step 7: Wrap with Bacon

Cut each bacon slice into two pieces, resulting in eight shorter strips. Wrap two strips around each stuffed chicken breast, focusing on covering the pocket openings to help seal in the stuffing.

Step 8: Bake the Chicken

Arrange the wrapped chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for at least 30 minutes. If using larger chicken breasts, the baking time may extend to around 50 minutes. Begin checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark.

Step 9: Optional – Broil for Crispiness

Once the chicken is fully cooked, you can switch the oven to broil for a few minutes to crisp up the bacon. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Serving and Enjoying

Serve these cheesy mushroom stuffed chicken breasts hot from the oven. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of roasted potatoes. Enjoy the delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, savory mushrooms, and crispy bacon.

Peace, love, and cheesy mushrooms!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned mushrooms?

Yes, you can use fresh mushrooms if you prefer. Simply slice and sauté them until they are tender before adding them to the cream cheese mixture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the breast.

What side dishes go well with this recipe?

This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad.

Can I freeze the stuffed chicken breasts?

You can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts before baking. Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.