Forget dry chicken breasts! This recipe for bacon-wrapped chicken with a creamy, cheesy filling is bursting with flavor and comes together in under an hour. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying, protein-packed meal without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• It’s incredibly easy! With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.
• Bacon makes everything better. The crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that takes this chicken to the next level.
• It’s incredibly versatile. Serve it with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
• Leftovers are a dream! Pack them for lunch the next day or enjoy them cold in a salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Bacon: You’ll need about 8 slices of your favorite bacon. Thicker-cut bacon works best here, as it won’t shrink as much during cooking.
• Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese provides the creamiest, most flavorful filling. Let it soften to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Green Onions: These add a fresh, oniony bite. Feel free to substitute with chives or shallots.
• Red Bell Pepper: A pop of color and sweetness. You can use any color bell pepper you prefer.
• Garlic Powder: For a subtle garlicky flavor. Fresh garlic works too!
• Salt and Pepper: Season to your liking.
• Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breasts: Look for breasts that are similar in size for even cooking.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Prep Work

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Lightly grease a baking dish. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

• Place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook until the fat renders and the bacon is partially cooked but still pliable. You don’t want it crispy at this stage, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Filling

• In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, chopped red bell pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Chicken

• Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the thickest part, stopping just before cutting all the way through. Open the chicken breast like a book.
• Divide the cream cheese filling evenly among the chicken breasts, spreading it over the cut side.
• Fold the chicken breasts over the filling, securing with toothpicks if needed.

Step 5: Wrap it in Bacon

• Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with two slices of partially cooked bacon.
• Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
• To ensure the chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

• Remove the toothpicks (if used) before serving.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra touch of flavor.

Elevating Your Chicken Game:

Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cream cheese filling for a spicy kick.
• Get cheesy: Mix in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella cheese to the filling for extra cheesy goodness.
• Add some greens: Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or kale to the filling for a boost of nutrients.

Serving Suggestions:

• Sides that Shine: Pair your bacon-wrapped chicken with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. Mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, or a simple side salad are also delicious options.
• Sauce it up: Drizzle with your favorite sauce, like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Nutritional Breakdown:

This recipe provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients. Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

• Calories: Approximately 390 calories per serving
• Protein: Approximately 35 grams per serving
• Fat: Approximately 25 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 4 grams per serving

FAQs:

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, it may not be as rich and flavorful as full-fat.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to bake.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Absolutely! Once the chicken breasts are fully cooked and cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion:

This bacon-wrapped chicken with creamy filling is a surefire way to impress your family and friends. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. So go ahead, give it a try! You won’t be disappointed.

High-Trust External URLs:

• USDA Safe Minimum Cooking Temperatures: https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/safe-minimum-cooking-temperatures
• American Heart Association Healthy Cooking Tips: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/healthy-cooking-and-eating
• FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA): https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma