Mushroom Melt Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings.

• cup unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, chopped
• teaspoon salt
• teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
• 12 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 12 slices Black Forest ham
• 2 cups shredded Havarti-pepper cheese
• 24 strips bacon

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).

Step 2: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and mushrooms, and season with salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are dark and juicy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the bread crumbs. Set aside.

Step 3: Place the chicken breasts, one at a time, between two sheets of heavy plastic (resealable freezer bags work well) on a solid, level surface. Using the smooth side of a meat mallet, firmly pound the breasts to a -inch thickness.

Step 4: Lay one chicken breast on a work surface. Place a slice of ham on top, then spoon about 3 tablespoons of the mushroom mixture onto the ham. Top with approximately 2 tablespoons of Havarti cheese. Roll the chicken breast to enclose the filling.

Step 5: Wrap the roll firmly with two strips of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks. Place the rolled chicken into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken breasts, ham, mushroom mixture, Havarti cheese, and bacon.

Step 6: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and the fillings are melted and hot. The internal temperature of the rolls should reach at least 165F (74C) when tested with an instant-read thermometer.

Step 7: After baking, carefully move the oven rack to about 6 inches from the heat source. Turn on the broiler and return the rolls to the oven. Broil for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the bacon becomes crispy and brown.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 435
• Total Fat: 24g (31% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 11g (56% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 114mg (38% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1258mg (55% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g (4% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 42g (84% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 3mg (3% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 39mg (3% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (11% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 467mg (10% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

History of the Dish

The Mushroom Melt Stuffed Chicken recipe is a modern American take on the stuffed chicken breast, a dish that has long been a staple in home kitchens. While stuffed poultry dishes have been around for centuries, the combination of mushrooms, cheese, and bacon gives it a distinctly contemporary flair. The dish likely evolved as cooks sought to combine familiar flavors into an easy-to-make, yet impressive, dinner option. The use of Havarti cheese and bacon, both known for their creamy textures and rich flavors, adds a special twist to traditional stuffed chicken recipes. Although it doesn't have a specific cultural origin, the dish showcases American ingenuity in the kitchen, making use of accessible, hearty ingredients that appeal to a broad audience.

Regional Variations

Though the Mushroom Melt Stuffed Chicken is most popular in the United States, variations of stuffed chicken dishes can be found in many cuisines. In the Midwest, it might be served alongside mashed potatoes or a vegetable casserole, while in the Southwest, a version might incorporate spicy peppers or a more robust cheese like pepper jack. In the Mediterranean region, a similar concept might include olives, herbs, and feta cheese. The filling ingredients can vary widely depending on local preferences and what ingredients are available, but the core idea of stuffing the chicken remains the sameadding flavor and moisture to an otherwise simple meat. This flexibility makes it adaptable to any region's tastes.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

What sets Mushroom Melt Stuffed Chicken apart from similar stuffed chicken recipes is its combination of creamy Havarti-pepper cheese, savory Black Forest ham, and the deep flavor of sauted mushrooms, all wrapped in crispy bacon. While other stuffed chicken recipes might use more traditional fillings like spinach and ricotta or a more common mozzarella, this recipe brings together flavors that are both creamy and smoky, with the bacon adding a delightful crunch. The addition of bread crumbs in the mushroom stuffing is another distinguishing factor, helping to bind the mixture together while absorbing the excess moisture from the mushrooms, making the filling more cohesive.

Where Its Typically Served

This dish is often served in casual family dinners, dinner parties, or holiday gatherings where its hearty and impressive nature can shine. Its commonly paired with side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The rich flavors of the chicken make it suitable for pairing with a variety of winesred wines like Pinot Noir or a crisp white such as Chardonnay work well. In restaurants, you might find this dish as part of a special menu or on the "comfort food" section, offering a cozy yet elegant option for diners looking for a satisfying main course.

Interesting Facts

Did you know that chicken was first domesticated around 10,000 years ago in Southeast Asia? Since then, it has become a global food staple, with many cultures adding their own unique twists to chicken-based dishes. The Mushroom Melt Stuffed Chicken is just one example of how chicken continues to evolve in culinary traditions. Additionally, mushrooms, which are often categorized as a vegetable, are actually fungi. They add a depth of flavor that is difficult to replicate with other ingredients. The combination of mushrooms, cheese, and bacon in this dish is a perfect example of how different textures and flavors can complement each other, making for a memorable dining experience.

FAQ about Mushroom Melt Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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