Get ready to elevate your dinner game with a mouthwatering recipe that combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a creamy spinach filling that will make your taste buds dance! This Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a gourmet-style meal, this recipe promises restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts - 4 pieces
- Bacon - 8 strips
- Spinach - 1 cup, cooked and chopped
- Cream cheese - 4 oz
- Garlic powder - 1 tsp
- Salt - to taste
- Black pepper - to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by creating a pocket: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally into the thickest part of each chicken breast, creating a deep pocket without cutting all the way through.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cooked and chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Generously stuff each chicken breast pocket with the spinach and cream cheese mixture, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
- Season the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with additional salt and black pepper.
- Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2 strips of bacon, covering the entire surface and securing the stuffing inside.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Optional: For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother stuffing
- Ensure chicken breasts are similar in size for even cooking
- Pat chicken and bacon dry before preparation to help achieve crispy texture
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F
- Let chicken rest after cooking to retain maximum juiciness
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cream cheese mixture
- If bacon isn't crisping enough, finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully
- Choose thick-cut bacon for better coverage and crispier results
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 120mg
