Bacon-wrapped cream cheese-stuffed chicken breasts are a delicious and savory dish that combines tender chicken, creamy filling, and crispy bacon. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to make. Here’s a simple recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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8 oz cream cheese (softened)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese of your choice)
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1/2 cup cooked spinach (optional, for added flavor)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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8-12 slices of bacon (depending on the size of the chicken breasts)
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Toothpicks (optional, for securing the bacon)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Filling:
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In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic, onion powder, and salt and pepper.
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If you want to add spinach, squeeze out any excess moisture and chop it finely before mixing it into the cheese mixture.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
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Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Make sure not to cut all the way through the breast, just enough to create space for the filling.
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Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder on both sides.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
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Stuff each chicken breast with the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to overstuff. You want to make sure the filling stays inside during cooking.
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Once stuffed, close the opening of the chicken, either by gently pressing the edges together or securing with toothpicks.
5. Wrap with Bacon:
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Lay 2-3 slices of bacon over each stuffed chicken breast, wrapping them around tightly. Depending on the size of the chicken, you may need to use more or fewer slices of bacon.
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Secure the bacon with toothpicks if necessary.
6. Cook the Chicken:
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Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until the bacon starts to crisp up and the chicken is golden brown.
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After browning the bacon, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve:
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Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Remove the toothpicks, if used.
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Serve the bacon-wrapped, cream cheese-stuffed chicken breasts with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Enjoy this rich, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress!