Bacon lovers

If you’re a bacon lover, you’re in for a treat! Here’s a detailed recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breasts, a savory, satisfying dish that’s sure to satisfy your bacon cravings. It’s crispy, juicy, and loaded with flavor!

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 8 slices of bacon

• 1 cup cream cheese (softened)

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup spinach (fresh or frozen, well-drained if frozen)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

• Take the chicken breasts and, using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through the chicken; just create a nice little “pocket” that can hold the filling.

• Gently season both the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

3. Make the Stuffing:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, spinach, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

• Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. If you want more flavor, feel free to add a bit more garlic powder, salt, or pepper.

4. Stuff the Chicken:

• Carefully stuff each chicken breast with the cheese and spinach mixture. Don’t overstuff, but make sure you fill each pocket evenly. Use toothpicks to secure the opening of each chicken breast, so the filling stays inside while cooking.

5. Wrap the Chicken in Bacon:

• Take 2 slices of bacon and lay them on a clean surface (like a cutting board) side-by-side, slightly overlapping.

• Place one stuffed chicken breast in the center and fold the bacon slices over the chicken, wrapping it up tightly. You should end up with a “bacon-wrapped” chicken breast.

• Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.

6. Sear the Chicken:

• Heat a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

• Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the wrapped chicken breasts in the pan. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until the bacon begins to crisp up and turn golden. This helps lock in the flavors and gives the bacon a crispy texture.

7. Bake the Chicken:

• After searing, transfer the skillet with the chicken breasts to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

• If you want extra crispy bacon, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

8. Finish and Serve:

• Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the toothpicks from the chicken.

• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

• Serve the bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Tips:

• Bacon: For an extra crispy bacon, consider using thick-cut bacon.

• Stuffing Variations: Feel free to switch up the stuffing ingredients! You could add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even bacon crumbles inside the chicken for an extra bacon-packed experience.

• Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain its crispiness.