A Tasty Treat: Stuffed Chicken Breast Wrapped with Bacon
Want to provide a meal that is both aesthetically pleasing and delectable to your family or dinner guests? The ideal dish is stuffed chicken breast wrapped in bacon. Flavourful stuffing is filled into tender chicken breasts, which are then perfectly roasted after being wrapped in crispy bacon. In addition to being delicious, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare.
This recipe will quickly become a kitchen favourite, whether you’re preparing a special dinner or simply want to make your weeknight meal more elegant.
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe Card
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 4 large pieces | Boneless and skinless. Pound to an even thickness. |
| Bacon | 8-10 strips | Enough to wrap around each chicken breast completely. |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz | Softened, for a creamy filling. |
| Shredded cheese | 1/2 cup | Cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite variety. |
| Spinach (optional) | 1 cup | Fresh or frozen, chopped, for added flavor and nutrition. |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Adds a savory touch to the filling. |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | Adds a smoky flavor and color. |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Adjust seasoning as desired. |
| Olive oil (optional) | 1 tbsp | For searing the chicken before baking. |
| Toothpicks | As needed | To secure the bacon and stuffing. |
Instructions
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. |
| 2 | Rinse chicken breasts, pat dry, and cut a pocket into each breast without slicing through. |
| 3 | Mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, spinach (optional), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. |
| 4 | Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture. Secure the edges with toothpicks. |
| 5 | Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2-3 strips of bacon, overlapping slightly. Secure with toothpicks. |
| 6 | (Optional) Sear the bacon-wrapped chicken in a skillet with olive oil for 2-3 minutes on each side. |
| 7 | Place the chicken in the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). |
| 8 | Broil for 2-3 minutes for crispier bacon. |
| 9 | Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving. |
Tips
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breast! 🥓🍗
The Reasons You’ll Love Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken – Flavourful and Juicy:
The bacon adds a smokey flavour and keeps the chicken juicy.
The chicken can be stuffed with a wide range of ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Amazing Presentation: A lovely dish that appears elegant but is simple to make.
Detailed Directions
1. Warm up the oven
Set the oven temperature to 375°F, or 190°C. To make cleanup easier, lightly oil a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Get the chicken breasts ready
Rinse the chicken breasts and use paper towels to pat dry.
- Make a pocket in each chicken breast with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut through.
3. Prepare the Filling
- Combine melted cream cheese, shredded cheese, paprika, garlic powder, spinach (if using), salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Mix the ingredients until they are creamy and well blended.
The fourth step is to stuff the chicken.
Don’t overstuff; instead, spoon the filling into each chicken breast pocket.
To hold the filling in place, use toothpicks to secure the chicken’s edges.
5. Wrap with Bacon –
To cover the surface of each chicken breast, wrap two to three slices of bacon around it, gently overlapping. Use toothpicks to secure the bacon’s ends.
6. Sear the Chicken (Optional) –
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. To gently crisp the bacon, sear the chicken wrapped in bacon for two to three minutes on each side.
- Although optional, this step improves the taste and look.
7. Cook the chicken
Place the chicken in the baking dish that has been prepared. The chicken should be cooked thoroughly after 25 to 30 minutes of baking in a preheated oven (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
- Broil the chicken for a further two to three minutes for crispier bacon.
8. Take a Break, Then Serve
Before taking out the toothpicks, give the chicken five minutes to rest.
- Serve hot with your preferred sides, like fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes.
Guidelines for the Ideal Chicken Wrapped in Bacon
It is simpler to fill thicker chicken breasts without tearing them, so choose these.
Use Ingredients at Room Temperature: This guarantees a smooth and manageable filling.
- Secure the Bacon: To hold everything in place while cooking, toothpicks are necessary.
The chicken stays moist by allowing its juices to redistribute, so don’t skip the resting time.
Try These Other Variations – Italian Style:
For a filling reminiscent of caprese, use mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil.
Spicy Kick: To add some spice, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling.
- BBQ Twist: For a sweet and smoky glaze, brush the bacon with your preferred BBQ sauce in the final five minutes of baking.
Serving Ideas for Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken
This rich dish goes well with several different sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: The rich chicken goes well with creamy potatoes.
Grilled Vegetables: The dinner is balanced by light, smoky vegetables. - Caesar Salad: A crisp contrast to the rich entrée is provided by a fresh salad.
Conclusion
Stuffed chicken breast wrapped in bacon is a tasty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s actually rather simple to prepare. It’s impossible to resist the mix of the crunchy bacon, juicy chicken, and creamy filling. This recipe is sure to please, whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself.
Give it a try and report back to us on your experience! Enjoy your cooking! 🥓🍗
1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
2. What other fillings can I use for the chicken?
Sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella for an Italian twist.
Jalapeños and cream cheese for a spicy kick.
Mushrooms, onions, and goat cheese for a gourmet option.
3. How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Secure the edges of the chicken and bacon tightly with toothpicks.
Make sure the chicken pocket is evenly cut to hold the filling securely.
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Secure the edges of the chicken and bacon tightly with toothpicks.
Make sure the chicken pocket is evenly cut to hold the filling securely.
