Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (any variety you love)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Feel free to substitute with what’s available: use cremini mushrooms for a deeper flavor or swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you prefer a lighter sauce. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to make it your own while staying true to its comforting roots.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the chicken breasts snugly.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Using a sharp knife, make a pocket inside each chicken breast by slicing horizontally but not all the way through.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the chopped mushrooms until they are golden and tender. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the cooked mushrooms, ensuring they’re well coated with the garlicky butter.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the mushroom mixture and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and chicken broth. Stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Once the chicken is done, pour the creamy Parmesan sauce over the baked chicken. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
This recipe has a touch of elegance but is straightforward enough to make on a busy evening. Remember, cooking is as much about enjoying the process as it is about the end result, so feel free to sip a glass of your favorite wine while the chicken bakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International