*Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken** 🍄🔥

Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (you can use cremini, button, or a mix)

• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Olive oil (for searing the chicken)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter

• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/2 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the stuffing:

   • In a pan, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until softened and any moisture evaporates.

   • Add the minced garlic and thyme to the pan, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

   • Stir in the cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, mixing until everything is melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper, then set the mixture aside.

2. Prep the chicken:

   • Cut a pocket into each chicken breast (be careful not to cut all the way through).

   • Stuff each chicken breast with the cheesy mushroom mixture. Secure with toothpicks if needed.

3. Sear the chicken:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear each breast for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. You don’t need to cook it all the way through yet!

4. Bake the chicken:

   • Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

5. Prepare the garlic butter sauce:

   • While the chicken bakes, melt 3 tbsp of butter in a pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

   • Stir in the fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice (if desired), then remove from heat.