Ground Chicken And Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
Highlighted under: Warm & Cozy Home Meals
I absolutely love making these Ground Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms as they bring a burst of flavor and comfort to any meal. Each mushroom cap is filled with a delicious mixture of ground chicken, fresh spinach, and savory spices, creating a perfect appetizer or main dish. I appreciate how quick and easy they are to prepare, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights or gatherings. The balance of taste and nutrition makes these stuffed mushrooms a meal my family always looks forward to.
When I first experimented with stuffed mushrooms, I wanted to create a dish that’s both flavorful and healthy. After several tries, I found that blending ground chicken with sautéed spinach and spices yields a moist, hearty filling that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms. Cooking the spinach first helps to enhance its flavor and also prevents excess moisture in the filling.
One tip I discovered is to bake the mushrooms first for about five minutes before stuffing them. This step makes the mushrooms tender while creating a perfect base for the flavorful filling. Trust me, this extra couple of minutes is worth the effort!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Savory combination of ground chicken and spinach
- Nutritious and satisfying for any meal
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for entertaining
Mushroom Selection and Preparation
Choosing the right mushrooms is key to achieving the best flavor and texture for your stuffed dish. Large portobello mushrooms are ideal because their deep caps can hold a substantial amount of filling and provide a robust flavor. When preparing them, make sure to carefully remove the stems and gills; removing the gills allows more space for the filling and prevents any bitterness in the dish. This also ensures the stuffed mushrooms bake evenly and thoroughly.
After baking the caps for 5 minutes, keep an eye on them. You want them to soften slightly but not release too much moisture, which can lead to soggy stuffed mushrooms. A brief initial bake helps to set their structure and creates a better base for all that savory filling.
The Perfect Filling Technique
When cooking the filling, ensure your pan is preheated to medium heat before adding the oil. This speeds up the cooking process and prevents sticking. Sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can impart an unpleasant flavor. The ground chicken should be cooked fully until it’s no longer pink, providing a safe and hearty base. Stirring consistently will help it cook evenly and develop a lovely color.
Incorporating the spinach is a crucial step. Cook it down just until it’s wilted, which helps concentrate its flavor and ensures it isn’t too watery in the final dish. Mixing in the breadcrumbs and Parmesan at the end not only helps bind the filling but also adds a delightful richness that complements the mushrooms beautifully.
Serving and Storage Tips
These stuffed mushrooms can be served as an appetizer, but they also shine as a quick main dish alongside a simple salad or steamed vegetables. To elevate the dish, try drizzling a balsamic glaze on top before serving, adding a hint of sweetness that balances the savory filling. Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, sprinkled over the top can also enhance the presentation and flavor.
If you plan to make these ahead of time, you can prepare the mushroom caps and filling separately and assemble them just before baking. They can be stored in the fridge for up to a day or two. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, making sure they are heated through and crisped back up, ensuring they retain their delicious texture.
Ingredients
Stuffed Mushrooms Ingredients
- 12 large portobello mushrooms
- 1 cup ground chicken
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best results!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Mushrooms
Remove the stems from the mushrooms and gently scoop out any remaining gills. Place the caps on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes.
Cook the Filling
In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add ground chicken and cook until browned. Stir in chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until spinach is wilted.
Mix the Filling
Remove the pan from heat and mix in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese to the chicken and spinach mixture.
Stuff the Mushrooms
Remove mushroom caps from the oven and fill each with the chicken and spinach mixture, packing it slightly.
Bake
Return the stuffed mushrooms to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until heated through and golden.
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, switch up the cheese with mozzarella or cheddar, and consider topping the mushrooms with extra grated cheese during the last few minutes of baking.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding different ingredients. If you're craving a bit more heat, diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes can spice things up. Swap the ground chicken for turkey or even a plant-based ground meat alternative to cater to different dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor. You can also mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition.
For cheese lovers, consider adding a dollop of cream cheese to the filling for a creamy texture or substituting the Parmesan with feta for a tangy twist. Incorporating different herbs can make a surprising difference; try adding fresh dill or thyme to give your stuffed mushrooms a unique herby flair.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your stuffed mushrooms turn out watery, it may be due to the mushrooms themselves releasing too much moisture. To combat this, ensure that you bake the mushroom caps first, as suggested, to draw out excess moisture. Additionally, make sure your filling isn't too wet by not overcooking the spinach, keeping it wilted but not soggy.
Another common issue can be if the filling falls out during baking. To solve this, make sure to pack the filling slightly but not too tightly. This helps to create a better seal with the mushroom caps while allowing them to hold the ingredients together without overflowing.
Freezing for Later
These stuffed mushrooms freeze well, making it easy to prepare a larger batch for future gatherings or busy nights. After filling the mushroom caps, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze them individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen for about 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or until they are heated through.
When reheating, if you find they're browning too quickly but aren't heated through, cover them with aluminum foil to allow them to warm up without burning. Enjoying a homemade meal straight from the freezer is not only convenient but can also taste just as delicious as when they were freshly prepared!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the filling to avoid excess moisture.
→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace the ground chicken with cooked quinoa or a plant-based meat substitute.
→ Can I prepare these mushrooms in advance?
Absolutely! You can stuff the mushrooms ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
→ What sides pair well with stuffed mushrooms?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement the flavors beautifully.
Ground Chicken And Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
I absolutely love making these Ground Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms as they bring a burst of flavor and comfort to any meal. Each mushroom cap is filled with a delicious mixture of ground chicken, fresh spinach, and savory spices, creating a perfect appetizer or main dish. I appreciate how quick and easy they are to prepare, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights or gatherings. The balance of taste and nutrition makes these stuffed mushrooms a meal my family always looks forward to.
Created by: Ariana Brooks
Recipe Type: Warm & Cozy Home Meals
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Stuffed Mushrooms Ingredients
- 12 large portobello mushrooms
- 1 cup ground chicken
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Remove the stems from the mushrooms and gently scoop out any remaining gills. Place the caps on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes.
In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add ground chicken and cook until browned. Stir in chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until spinach is wilted.
Remove the pan from heat and mix in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese to the chicken and spinach mixture.
Remove mushroom caps from the oven and fill each with the chicken and spinach mixture, packing it slightly.
Return the stuffed mushrooms to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until heated through and golden.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, switch up the cheese with mozzarella or cheddar, and consider topping the mushrooms with extra grated cheese during the last few minutes of baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 420mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 26g