Description
Succulent chicken breasts embracing gouda & mushroom stuffed chicken promise a gourmet experience that elevates weeknight dining. Rich melted cheese and earthy mushrooms create a satisfying meal that will delight diners seeking culinary comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups (480 ml) gouda cheese, shredded
- 14 oz (397 g) baby bella mushrooms
- 5 tbsps (75 ml) olive oil
- ½ cup (120 ml) white onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- ¾ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the chicken dish.
- Mushroom Preparation: Divide baby bella mushrooms into two portions – finely chop one batch and slice the other, setting each aside strategically.
- Chicken Modification: Craft a delicate pocket in each chicken breast using a sharp knife, carefully maintaining structural integrity while flattening to ensure uniform thickness.
- Flavor Foundation: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped mushrooms until golden and moisture-free, then introduce diced onions, cooking until translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Seasoning Fusion: Incorporate parsley, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper into the mushroom mixture, stirring to distribute aromatic herbs and seasonings thoroughly.
- Filling Creation: Combine the mushroom mixture with Gouda cheese in a separate bowl, crafting a rich and creamy stuffing with complementary flavors.
- Chicken Preparation: Quick-sear chicken breasts in the skillet to develop a light golden crust, then carefully stuff each breast with the prepared mushroom and Gouda mixture.
- Initial Baking: Transfer stuffed chicken breasts to the preheated oven, baking for approximately 50 minutes to ensure complete and even cooking.
- Final Touches: During the last baking phase, quickly sauté remaining mushroom slices in olive oil until lightly browned, then top each chicken breast with additional Gouda cheese and the sautéed mushroom slices.
- Completion: Return the dish to the oven for a final 7-10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become delightfully bubbly. Remove, let rest briefly to redistribute juices, and serve this succulent Gouda and mushroom stuffed chicken that promises to captivate the palate.
Notes
- Knife Safety: Use a sharp knife and cut chicken breasts carefully to create even pockets without piercing through completely.
- Moisture Management: Sauté mushrooms until golden to release excess water, preventing soggy filling and maintaining a rich, concentrated flavor.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Add extra Gouda cheese during final baking stage to create a beautiful, bubbly golden crust that enhances overall dish appearance.
- Resting Period Importance: Allow chicken to rest 5-7 minutes after baking to redistribute internal juices, ensuring each bite remains tender and succulent.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg