Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a deliciously savory and indulgent dish where tender chicken breasts are stuffed with a flavorful filling and wrapped in crispy bacon. The bacon helps keep the chicken moist while adding extra flavor, and the filling can be customized to your taste. Whether you prefer a creamy cheese filling, spinach, or mushrooms, this recipe is easy to make and impressive enough for a special occasion.
Here’s a simple recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breasts:
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices bacon (2 slices per chicken breast)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing, optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
- Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make a pocket in the thickest part of the chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Gently season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika inside the pocket and on both sides of the chicken.
3. Make the Stuffing:
- In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). This will be your stuffing.
- Spoon the filling evenly into the pocket of each chicken breast. Be careful not to overstuff them, as it may cause the filling to leak out during cooking.
4. Wrap the Chicken:
- Once the chicken breasts are stuffed, wrap 2 slices of bacon around each chicken breast, covering the entire chicken and securing the ends with toothpicks if needed. This will help the bacon stay in place while cooking.
5. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended):
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. This step is optional, but it helps add extra flavor and texture to the bacon.
6. Bake the Chicken:
- Once seared, transfer the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish or baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The bacon should be crispy and the cheese should be melted and bubbling.
- If you’d like extra crispy bacon, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just watch it closely so the bacon doesn’t burn.
7. Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Slice carefully to reveal the creamy, cheesy filling inside.
- Serve with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Storage:
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Tips & Variations:
- Cheese Variations: You can mix up the filling with different cheeses like cream cheese and cheddar, goat cheese, or Parmesan for a different flavor.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stuffing, such as mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or zucchini.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary can be added to the filling for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add some jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a spicy twist.
These Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breasts are rich, flavorful, and sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. With crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and savory seasonings, they’re an easy yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
