Baked, Chicken-Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms

VickyJ's Note:

I found this one on the net, and thought I would give it a try. After thoroughly enjoying this recipe, I decided to post it. What a great hearty, lunch/dinner... or an appetizer.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 4

Yield: 4.0 entrees

• 1 cup marinara sauce (prepared or homemade)
• ½ cup finely snipped fresh basil leaf
• 8 portabella mushrooms , each about 4 to 5 inches in diameter
• 1 lb cooked chicken , cubed (2 average-sized chicken breasts)
• 1 -2 garlic clove , peeled and minced
• 1⁄3; cup chopped green onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped green peppers , and sweet red and yellow peppers
• 1 -2 tablespoon minced Italian parsley (no stems)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning (optional)
• salt, and freshly ground black (optional) or white pepper (optional)
• shredded mozzarella cheese (as desired) or cheese , of choice (as desired)
• grated parmesan cheese (optional) or romano cheese , as desired (optional)
• 1 sprig fresh basil (to garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a small bowl, combine marinara sauce and basil, blending well; set aside.
3. With a sharp knife, remove stems from mushrooms; coarsely chop stems and set aside.
4. Arrange mushrooms, rounded-side-down in a 12 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, marinara/basil sauce, garlic, green onion, peppers, Italian parsley, and Italian herbs, if desired, mixing well. May add salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
5. Press mixture onto mushrooms, dividing evenly and fitting each mushroom.
6. Bake, loosely covered with aluminum foil, in a preheated moderate oven (350 degrees F.) for 20 to 25 minutes.
7. Uncover and sprinkle each mushroom with shredded mozzarella cheese or cheese of choice and continue baking, uncovered, for 6 to 7 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
8. Sprinkle each lightly with Parmesan or Romano cheese, if desired, and continue baking for 6 to 8 minutes or until cheese becomes lightly browned.

Reviews

[Candace Michelle]

Served this along with some alfredo noodles. Very good, but I may not put in as much chicken next time. Thanks for the recipe!

[yogiclarebear]

This was so lovely! I was super lazy and used canned chicken and all dried seasonings. I also added some chopped zucchini. Cooking times were right on. I would probably add more salt next time, and pre cook my veggies to bring out the garlic a bit more. Maybe some fresh tomatoes too. This is such an elegant presentation, great for guests! Thanks!