Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions (finely chopped)
- 8-10 slices bacon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks (to secure the bacon)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions until well combined. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
- Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, making sure not to cut all the way through. Season the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
- Divide the cream cheese mixture into four portions and stuff each chicken breast with the filling. Press the edges of the chicken together to enclose the filling.
5. Wrap with Bacon:
- Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2-3 slices of bacon, covering the chicken completely. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed to prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
6. Bake the Chicken:
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy.
7. Optional Step – Crisp the Bacon:
- For extra crispy bacon, place the chicken under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
8. Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Remove the toothpicks and enjoy your creamy, bacon-wrapped chicken!
Tips:
- Variations: Try adding spinach, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor.
- Side Suggestions: Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion:
This Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is an easy yet indulgent meal that combines the richness of cream cheese with the smoky flavor of crispy bacon. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or any time you want to serve something that looks and tastes impressive. 🍗🥓
Give it a try and watch it become a family favorite!