Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breast recipe is the perfect solution for a quick and healthy dinner, impressing even the most discerning palates. It's a delicious dish that combines juicy chicken with savory stuffing and crispy bacon, creating a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices bacon, halved
- 1 cup stuffing mix (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing:
In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix, celery, onion, chicken broth, olive oil, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly moistened. Don't over-mix; you want the stuffing to hold its shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken:
Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally almost all the way through, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken:
Spoon about 1/4 cup of the stuffing mixture into each chicken breast pocket, distributing it evenly. Gently press the edges of the chicken together to seal in the stuffing.
Step 4: Wrap with Bacon:
Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with two halves of bacon, securing it with toothpicks if needed.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then remove the toothpicks and serve immediately. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or mashed potatoes.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken:
- Don't overstuff the chicken: Overstuffing can cause the chicken to burst during cooking.
- Use high-quality bacon: The flavor of the bacon will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish.
- For extra flavor: Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the stuffing mixture.
- For a crispier bacon: Broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Cranberry Stuffing: Substitute cranberry sauce for some of the chicken broth in the stuffing for a festive twist.
- Cheese Stuffed: Add shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese to the stuffing mixture for extra richness.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: Approximately 35-40g Fat: Approximately 25-30g Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breast recipe offers a healthy and delicious alternative to your regular dinner routine. It’s a simple, yet impressive dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The combination of juicy chicken, savory stuffing, and crispy bacon creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy!