Making Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast is an enjoyable experience, especially when you follow these easy-to-understand steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare the Filling:
– In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
– Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
– Add the chopped mushrooms and spinach, cooking until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
– Remove from heat, and stir in cream cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and mozzarella cheese if using. Mix until well combined.
3. Prep the Chicken:
– Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and carefully slice each one horizontally, creating a pocket for the stuffing. Be cautious not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the mushroom filling into each chicken breast pocket until they are filled generously.
5. Secure the Filling: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the chicken breasts, ensuring the filling stays intact during cooking.
6. Bake the Chicken:
– Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Let It Rest: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will help retain the juices.
8. Remove Toothpicks/Twine: Carefully take out the toothpicks or twine before slicing or serving.
9. Garnish: Add fresh herbs for an appealing visual and extra flavor.

These steps will guide you through the process of creating this incredible dish!