Easy weeknight dinner idea (Printable Format)

Tender chicken breasts stuffed with creamy cheese and savory mushrooms, then baked until golden. A family favorite ready in minutes.

# What You'll Gather:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ For the Filling

03 - 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms (cremini or white button)
04 - 1/2 cup softened cream cheese
05 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
06 - 3 tablespoons butter, divided
07 - 3 cloves minced garlic
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1 teaspoon dried parsley

→ For Topping

10 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - Fresh parsley for garnish

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and either grease it lightly or line with parchment for an easier cleanup later.
02 - Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in those chopped mushrooms and let them dance around for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Add the garlic, thyme, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook another 2 minutes until your kitchen smells amazing. Set aside to cool a bit.
03 - In a bowl, combine your slightly cooled mushroom mixture with the cream cheese and mozzarella. Mix until everything's smooth and happy together.
04 - Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally (but not all the way through!) to create a pocket for all that cheesy goodness. Take your time with this step - sharp knives and slippery chicken can be tricky!
05 - Spoon that delicious cheesy mushroom mixture evenly into each chicken pocket. If they're not staying closed, secure with toothpicks to keep all that goodness inside.
06 - Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown. Don't worry about cooking them through yet.
07 - Transfer your seared chicken to the baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
08 - Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving (this keeps it juicy!). Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color, then serve with your favorite sides.

# Important Tips:

01 - This dish combines the comfort of garlic butter mushrooms with tender chicken for a meal that feels fancy but comes together easily.
02 - Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
03 - Try pairing with roasted green beans, a simple arugula salad, mashed potatoes, or herbed quinoa for a complete meal.