Description
This Healthy Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a savory mix of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, garlic, and creamy cheeses. Baked to perfection, it offers a delicious, high-protein meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying, ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Olive oil spray
Stuffing:
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or spray.
- Create Chicken Pockets and Season: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting through completely. Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Spinach and Combine Filling: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the low-fat cream cheese (or Greek yogurt) and shredded mozzarella cheese until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Stuff Chicken Breasts: Evenly divide the mushroom and spinach filling and spoon it into the pocket of each chicken breast. Secure the opening with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling inside.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the stuffed chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish and lightly mist them with olive oil spray to promote browning and prevent sticking.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and ensures moist, flavorful chicken breasts.
Notes
- For extra flavor and a golden-brown crust, brown the stuffed chicken breasts in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side before baking.
- Cremini mushrooms provide a richer flavor, but you can use any mushroom variety you prefer or have available.
