Stuffed chicken breast wrapped in bacon is a flavorful and elegant dish that’s sure to impress. This recipe features juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy and savory stuffing, then wrapped in smoky, crispy bacon. The stuffing can be customized with ingredients like spinach, cheese, and herbs, making each bite bursting with delicious flavors. As the bacon crisps up in the oven, it keeps the chicken moist and infuses it with a rich, smoky taste. Perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is easy to prepare but looks and tastes gourmet. Serve it with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 cup spinach leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
- Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally down the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open the chicken breast like a book, creating a pocket for the stuffing. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Make the Stuffing:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Stuff the Chicken:
- Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket, spreading it evenly. Close the chicken breast over the filling and press gently to seal.
- Wrap in Bacon:
- Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with two slices of bacon, overlapping slightly to secure the filling inside. If necessary, use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each bacon-wrapped chicken breast for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the bacon is browned and slightly crispy. This step will help lock in the flavors and keep the chicken moist.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The bacon should be crispy, and the cheese filling should be bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the toothpicks (if used) and transfer the chicken breasts to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color.
- Serve hot, with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Stuffed chicken breast wrapped in bacon is a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy stuffing and smoky, crispy bacon that turns a simple chicken dish into a gourmet experience. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a delicious and satisfying meal.
