Baked Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Let me introduce you to a recipe that never fails to impress: the Baked Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Thighs Recipe. Picture tender, juicy chicken thighs wrapped around a rich mushroom-onion filling, all baked to golden perfection with irresistible savory flavor. It’s hearty enough for Sunday dinner, yet simple enough to make on a weeknight. The mushroom stuffing adds a restaurant-worthy flair to classic baked chicken, but it’s secretly easy and totally doable for home cooks. Trust me, this is one of those recipes you’ll want to share with everyone you know!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you—each item in this recipe has a special job, giving the dish bold flavor, juicy texture, or that perfect hint of color. Whether you’re using pantry staples or picking up fresh mushrooms from the store, each element works together to create something truly memorable.

• Boneless chicken thighs (15, skinless or skin-on): Thighs stay juicy and tender while baking, and either skinless or skin-on work beautifully based on your preference.
• 1/2 large onion, finely grated: Grated onion helps infuse the marinade with sweetness and moisture, ensuring the chicken turns out flavorful and succulent.
• 1 cup mayonnaise: Mayo may seem unusual, but it’s the secret weapon for an ultra-moist, flavorful marinade.
• 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the filling—don’t skimp!
• 1 tbsp Mrs. Dash or your favorite salt-free seasoning (plus extra for topping): Mrs. Dash gives a lovely herby, peppery kick without extra sodium, and sprinkling more on top adds punch and color.
• 1 lb mushrooms: The star of the stuffing; use white, cremini, or a mix for depth and earthiness.
• 1/2 large onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and blends into the filling for extra flavor and texture.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the filling and optionally brushing on top—it helps everything brown and adds richness.
• 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds gentle heat and brightens up the finished dish.
• 2 tbsp flour: Thickens the mushroom filling to a creamy, hearty consistency that stays put inside the chicken.

How to Make Baked Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken thighs for max flavor and tenderness. In a big bowl, stir together the chicken, grated onion, mayo, salt, and Mrs. Dash. Massage the marinade into the chicken so every nook and cranny gets coated. Cover and refrigerate while you move on to the mushroom magic—this little bit of waiting makes a big difference!

Step 2: Prepare the Mushroom Stuffing

While the chicken is soaking up all those flavors, it’s time to get that savory stuffing going. Rinse and pat dry your mushrooms, then slice them up. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium and toss in the mushrooms along with the finely diced onion. Cover and cook, giving an occasional stir, until the mushrooms release their tasty juices—about eight minutes. Once they’re nice and soft, sprinkle in salt, pepper, and the flour. Whisk everything together for a quick 30 seconds, turning the mixture thick and almost creamy, perfect for stuffing. Pull the pan off the heat and let the mixture cool just a few minutes.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Thighs

Take a marinated chicken thigh and lay it top side down on a clean work surface. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of mushroom filling right in the center, then fold the chicken over to seal in all that flavor. Place the stuffed thigh seam side down in your baking pan—this helps keep the filling tucked in where it belongs. Repeat until all thighs are stuffed and ready to bake. Don’t worry if a little filling escapes during baking; it just adds more flavor to the pan juices!

Step 4: Bake

Arrange your stuffed chicken thighs in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crammed together. Sprinkle a touch more Mrs. Dash on top for good measure, then cover the pan with aluminum foil. Bake at 350°F for an hour to let everything get juicy and tender. After an hour, carefully drain off about three-quarters of the liquid (save it for an amazing gravy, if you like), then bake uncovered for another 15 minutes so the tops can start to brown.

Step 5: Crisp the Tops (Optional)

If you love a golden, slightly crisp finish, switch your oven to broil for 3 to 5 minutes at the end. Brush each thigh with a little olive oil before broiling for even more color and sheen. Watch closely so nothing scorches—just enough for that perfect irresistible finish!

How to Serve Baked Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing this dish adds brightness and a restaurant-level touch! Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, a little grated lemon zest, or freshly ground black pepper just before serving. For an extra pop of color, try a few thinly sliced green onions or a dusting of sweet paprika. It’s simple, but it takes your plating from homey to gourmet in seconds.

Side Dishes

When you serve the Baked Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Thighs Recipe, you’ll want sides that soak up all those lovely pan juices. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or even a fluffy couscous work beautifully. For a lighter meal, try a crisp green salad tossed with a zippy vinaigrette or simply roasted veggies on the side. Each bite feels balanced and extra satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow at your next dinner party? Slice each stuffed thigh into rounds and arrange them on a platter over a bed of greens. Or serve them atop a little mound of risotto for an elegant twist. For a more rustic look, serve each thigh whole in individual cast iron skillets, drizzling a bit of the saved pan sauce over the top. No matter how you plate it, this dish always looks and tastes special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, you’re in for a treat—the Baked Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Thighs Recipe holds up so well. Transfer cooled stuffed thighs to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually get deeper and more harmonious overnight!

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Place them all in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to two months. For best results, freeze the thighs before baking (fully assembled and unbaked), then thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking according to the original directions. That way, your filling and chicken both stay tender.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover chicken thighs in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Add a splash of broth or some reserved pan juice to keep everything moist. You can also microwave individual thighs, though the oven gives you better results if you’re serving guests.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just be aware that chicken breasts tend to be a bit leaner and can dry out easier, so take extra care not to overcook. You might also want to pound them out gently so they’re easier to roll and stuff.

What kind of mushrooms work best in the Baked Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Thighs Recipe?

You can use plain white or cremini mushrooms for a classic flavor, but if you want extra depth, try a mix with some shiitake or even wild mushrooms. Just make sure to slice them evenly so they cook down properly in the stuffing.

How do I keep the stuffing from leaking out?

Place your stuffed thighs seam-side down in the pan; this helps hold the filling in place. If you have a particularly stubborn thigh, you can secure it with a toothpick (just remember to remove them before serving!).

How do I make the Baked Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Thighs Recipe gluten-free?

Just swap the regular flour in the stuffing for a gluten-free flour blend or a cornstarch slurry. The purpose is to thicken, so any similar thickener will do the trick without changing the flavor.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can stuff and assemble the chicken thighs up to a day in advance, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake when ready. This makes the Baked Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Thighs Recipe a fantastic choice for meal prepping or stress-free entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation, the Baked Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Thighs Recipe is pure magic! It’s comforting, showstopping, and incredibly flavorful. You’ll love how every bite has a little surprise inside—and how easy it is to make, even if you’re new to cooking. Give it a try and let this meal become a regular at your table!

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