Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a mouthwatering dish that combines the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and juicy chicken. This Bacon and Cheddar Hasselback Chicken isn't just another recipe—it's a culinary experience that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine cutting into a perfectly cooked chicken breast to reveal layers of golden, crispy bacon and gooey, melted cheese that ooze out with every slice. It's a restaurant-quality meal you can easily create right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and the bacon becomes crispy.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make several deep cuts in each chicken breast, about 1 inch apart, being careful not to cut all the way through. This creates pockets for the bacon and cheese.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
- Take the bacon slices and carefully insert them into the slits of the chicken breasts, alternating with the shredded cheddar cheese. This layering will allow the flavors to meld together while cooking.
- Once all the bacon and cheese are inserted, place the stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Make sure they are spaced apart to allow even cooking.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through without drying out.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will help the bacon crisp up and the cheese to melt and bubble.
- Once the chicken is done, check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. The bacon should be crispy and the cheese melted.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Serve the Bacon and Cheddar Hasselback Chicken warm, alongside your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips
- • Use a sharp knife and cut chicken breasts carefully to create even slits without cutting all the way through • Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness • Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better • Don't overcrowd the baking dish to ensure even cooking • Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F for food safety • Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain moisture • For extra flavor, try adding different cheese varieties like pepper jack or smoked gouda • Prep ingredients beforehand to make cooking process smoother and faster
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 436kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 65g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 190mg
