Looking for a flavorful, savory dish that will leave your taste buds begging for more? Look no further than Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Chicken Breast! This recipe combines the crispy, savory goodness of bacon with the richness of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, all wrapped up in tender chicken breasts whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just because, this meal is sure to impress.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe step-by-step, explore different ways to make it your own, and answer all your burning questions about how to make this dish perfect every time. Get ready for a flavor-packed journey with Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Chicken Breast!

Ingredients for Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Chicken Breast

Before diving into the cooking process, gather all your ingredients. With simple yet delicious ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to create a decadent, cheesy stuffed chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Here’s what you’ll need:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for cooking

These ingredients come together beautifully to form a mouthwatering, cheesy filling that complements the tender chicken perfectly. The bacon adds a savory crunch, while the cheese and cream cheese create a creamy, gooey center that will melt in your mouth. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Chicken Breast

Ready to make this cheesy bacon-filled dish? Here’s a comprehensive guide to cooking the Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Chicken Breast that’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and thoroughly.

Next, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice a pocket into each one. Be sure to cut deeply enough to create space for the stuffing, but don’t cut all the way through aim to keep the chicken breast intact on one side. Once that’s done, season the chicken with a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These seasonings will add flavor to the chicken itself, making each bite more flavorful.

2. Make the Stuffing

Now, let’s move on to the stuffing that will give this dish its irresistible flavor.

In a medium bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled bacon with shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a cheesy, creamy filling with crispy bacon bits. The bacon adds that smoky, salty flavor, while the cheddar and cream cheese create a gooey, cheesy texture that’s simply irresistible.

3. Stuff the Chicken

With the stuffing mixture ready, it’s time to stuff the chicken breasts! Carefully spoon the bacon and cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Be sure to pack the stuffing tightly to ensure that each bite is filled with cheesy bacon goodness. Once the chicken is stuffed, use toothpicks to secure the opening of each chicken breast. This will prevent the filling from spilling out as the chicken cooks.

4. Sear the Chicken

To get that delicious golden brown crust on the outside, heat a drizzle of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the outside is golden brown and crispy. This step helps to lock in the flavor and creates a beautiful texture for the chicken.

5. Bake the Chicken

Once your chicken is seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the chicken will cook through and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, while the cheese inside will be melty and gooey.

After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken has rested, remove the toothpicks and slice the chicken into beautiful, cheesy portions. Serve it hot, and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender chicken! Pair it with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Wondering about the nutritional content of this mouth-watering dish? Here’s a quick look at the calorie count and serving size:

Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 servings

With this dish, you get a hearty meal without going overboard on calories, making it a great option for a filling yet balanced dinner.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Chicken

For the best results, here are a few tips to keep in mind while making your Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Chicken Breast:

Don’t overstuff the chicken: While it’s tempting to load the chicken with a ton of stuffing, make sure you don’t overstuff it. Overstuffed chicken may cause the filling to spill out during cooking. It’s better to stuff it just enough for a gooey, cheesy center.
Use an oven-safe skillet: Make sure your skillet is oven-safe, as you’ll need to transfer it directly to the oven. A cast-iron skillet works perfectly for this recipe, as it provides even heat distribution.
Let the chicken rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This ensures that the juices inside the chicken are locked in, keeping your chicken tender and moist.
Customize the stuffing: Feel free to make this recipe your own! You can add other ingredients to the stuffing, such as spinach, mushrooms, or jalapeños for an extra twist. Get creative and adjust the flavors to your liking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cheddar cheese, you can use other varieties like mozzarella, Monterey jack, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well to get that creamy, gooey texture inside the chicken.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to know if your chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Additionally, the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and stuff it with the bacon and cheese mixture a day before cooking. Store the stuffed chicken breasts in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. When you’re ready, follow the same steps to sear and bake the chicken. This will save you time on a busy day!

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon. Keep in mind that turkey bacon may have a slightly different texture and flavor, but it will still add a savory taste to the stuffing.

What sides pair well with this dish?

This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple side salad. The rich, cheesy chicken pairs nicely with lighter sides to balance out the flavors.

Conclusion

There you have it Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Chicken Breast, a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that will quickly become a family favorite. With a blend of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, this recipe hits all the right notes. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a casual weeknight meal, this dish will impress and satisfy you every time.

For more delicious recipes like this one, be sure to check out some of our other fan favorites:

Give this Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Chicken Breast a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your thoughts and any creative twists you added. Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!

Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Chicken Breast – A Flavorful Dinner Idea!

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in this mouth-watering cheesy bacon-stuffed chicken breast, featuring crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tender chicken. It’s an easy-to-make, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for family meals or impressing guests!

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Make the Stuffing: In a bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
Stuff the Chicken: Stuff each chicken breast with the bacon and cheese mixture. Use toothpicks to secure the opening of the chicken, ensuring the filling is packed tightly.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Bake the Chicken: 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).
Serve: Remove the toothpicks, slice the chicken, and serve hot. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy bacon-filled goodness!

Notes

For added flavor, try using different types of cheese, like mozzarella or gouda.
Be sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Searing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Chicken Breast, Stuffed Chicken, Bacon Chicken Breast, Chicken Breast Recipe, Bacon and Cheese Chicken