Oven-Baked Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Cheese and Mushrooms

This Oven-Baked Stuffed Chicken Thighs recipe features tender chicken thighs filled with a rich and savory mushroom and cheese mixture, all baked to perfection with a sweet and tangy glaze. It’s a delightful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of mushrooms, garlic, and melted cheese inside the chicken, along with the flavorful glaze, makes for a memorable meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

  • 6–8 chicken thighs (deboned)
  • 250 g (½ lb) champignons (mushrooms), diced
  • 120 g (4.2 oz) cheese, grated (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp (5 g) paprika
  • ½ tsp (1 g) dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 stick butter (about 113 g / ½ cup)
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) sweet chili sauce
  • ½ tsp (2 g) turmeric
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Begin by deboning the chicken thighs if they aren’t already prepared. Lay the thighs flat on a cutting board. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture onto both sides of each chicken thigh, ensuring an even coating of flavor.

2. Prepare the Stuffing

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and half of the butter (about 2 tbsp). Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and diced mushrooms. Continue cooking until the mushrooms are browned and all moisture has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes.

Sprinkle in the dried thyme, season with salt and pepper, and stir well. Remove the skillet from heat, allowing the mushroom mixture to cool slightly. Once cooled, mix in the grated cheese to create the stuffing.

3. Stuff and Roll the Chicken

Take each seasoned chicken thigh and place a spoonful of the mushroom and cheese stuffing in the center. Roll the chicken tightly around the stuffing. If necessary, use toothpicks to secure the rolls and prevent them from unraveling during cooking.

4. Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and sweet chili sauce. This sweet and savory glaze will coat the chicken as it bakes, adding a delicious caramelized finish.

5. Coat and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Arrange the stuffed chicken thighs in an oven-safe baking dish, seam side down. Brush each chicken thigh generously with the soy-honey-chili glaze. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the outside is golden brown with a glossy glaze.

6. Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Serve the stuffed chicken thighs warm, alongside your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Thighs

  • Deboning chicken thighs: If you’re deboning the chicken thighs yourself, use a sharp knife and take your time to carefully remove the bones without tearing the meat.
  • Securing the stuffing: Toothpicks work well to keep the rolls tight, but be sure to remove them before serving.
  • Cheese options: Cheddar or mozzarella are great choices for the stuffing, but you can also experiment with other types of cheese like gouda or gruyere for a richer flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 22g

This Oven-Baked Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Cheese and Mushrooms recipe is a fantastic main course that’s full of flavor. The juicy chicken thighs paired with the earthy mushroom and cheese filling, topped with a sweet glaze, make this dish irresistible. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication for any dinner table!