Best Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms for Easy Dinners
If you’re looking for a delightfully easy yet impressive dinner, look no further than Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with savory mushrooms, melty cheese, and a perfect blend of herbs and spices, creating a flavor-packed bite every time. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight meal or hosting friends, these Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms are guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously simple: Uses straightforward ingredients that come together quickly for an effortless meal.
- Versatile flavor: Combines savory, cheesy, and herby notes that appeal to all taste buds.
- Perfect portion size: Bite-sized mushrooms make for easy serving and family-friendly dining.
- Great for any occasion: Works as an appetizer, snack, or main dish with the right sides.
- Healthy and satisfying: Packed with protein and veggies, ideal for balanced eating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, well-chosen ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the dish’s taste, texture, and appearance.
- Fresh mushrooms: Use large button or cremini mushrooms for sturdy, scoopable cups.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded or diced, it adds protein and heartiness.
- Cream cheese: Brings creamy texture and rich flavor to the filling.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory kick that browns beautifully on top.
- Garlic and herbs: Fresh garlic, parsley, or thyme for aromatic depth.
- Olive oil or butter: For sautéing and adding richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all flavors.
Variations for Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms
You can easily tailor this recipe to suit your mood, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. These variations make it adaptable and fun to experiment with.
- Spicy twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for a kick.
- Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for spinach or artichoke hearts for a meatless alternative.
- Cheese swap: Use mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese for unique flavors.
- Herb variations: Try fresh basil, oregano, or rosemary instead of parsley.
- Low-carb option: Load more chicken and cheese, and use baby portobello mushrooms for a richer dish.
How to Make Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
First, clean your mushrooms gently with a damp cloth and remove the stems carefully, setting them aside for the filling. This creates perfect little cups for stuffing.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Chop the reserved mushroom stems finely and sauté them in olive oil or butter with minced garlic until soft and fragrant. Next, add shredded cooked chicken and cook briefly to warm through. Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese, Parmesan, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Mushrooms
Carefully spoon the chicken mixture into each mushroom cap, mounding it slightly. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet or in a casserole dish.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake the filled mushrooms in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms
- Choose the right mushrooms: Larger, firm mushrooms hold the filling better and prevent sogginess.
- Don’t overfill: Leaving a little space on top helps the cheese brown evenly and prevents spills.
- Drain mushrooms beforehand: Quickly roasting or salting caps before stuffing prevents watery results.
- Use fresh herbs: They brighten flavors much more than dried ones.
- Serve warm: These taste best fresh from the oven but also reheat beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of balsamic reduction pairs beautifully for added sweetness and tang.
Side Dishes
Complement the savory mushrooms with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these as elegant finger foods on a wooden board for your next party, or plate them next to a fresh pasta dish to elevate your dinner presentation effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring the mushrooms maintain their flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed mushrooms before baking by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through to keep the mushrooms tender and the filling creamy without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked chicken works perfectly and helps speed up the preparation time without compromising flavor or texture.
What’s the best type of mushroom for stuffing?
Large button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are ideal due to their size and firm texture which holds stuffing well.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of cheese and herbs, or substitute with spinach or artichoke for a veggie-friendly option.
How do I avoid soggy mushrooms?
Remove excess moisture by lightly salting the mushroom caps before stuffing and baking them separately for a few minutes to remove water.
Are Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid breads or fillers containing gluten in the stuffing mix.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms are a cozy, versatile dish that brings warmth and flavor with every bite. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, they offer an easy way to enjoy something both comforting and elegant. Dive in and make them your go-to easy dinner—you won’t regret it!
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Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms
Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms are an easy, flavorful dinner option that combines tender chicken, savory mushrooms, creamy cheeses, and aromatic herbs. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these bite-sized mushrooms are packed with protein and veggies, making them a healthy and satisfying choice for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffed mushrooms (serves 3-4) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Mushrooms
- 12 large button or cremini mushrooms
Filling
- 1/2 cup reserved mushroom stems, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms gently with a damp cloth and carefully remove the stems, setting them aside to use in the filling. This will create perfect cups for stuffing.
- Make the Filling: Finely chop the reserved mushroom stems and sauté them in olive oil or butter with the minced garlic until soft and fragrant. Add the shredded cooked chicken and cook briefly to warm through. Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stuff the Mushrooms: Spoon the chicken mixture carefully into each mushroom cap, mounding slightly. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet or in a casserole dish, ensuring not to overfill to allow cheese to brown evenly.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the filled mushrooms for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Choose larger, firm mushrooms to hold the filling better and avoid sogginess.
- Do not overfill the mushrooms to ensure even cheese browning and prevent spills.
- Drain mushrooms beforehand by lightly salting or roasting to remove excess moisture.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, basil, or oregano for brighter flavors.
- Serve warm for best taste, but leftovers reheat well in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed mushrooms
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: chicken stuffed mushrooms, easy dinner, baked stuffed mushrooms, appetizer, gluten free, cheesy stuffed mushrooms