Sure! Here’s a delicious recipe for bacon-wrapped cream cheese stuffed chicken breasts:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 8-12 slices of bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Paprika (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board.
- Use a sharp knife to create a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting along one side, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions (if using) until well combined.
- Stuff the Chicken:
- Season the inside of the chicken pockets with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder if desired.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast. Use toothpicks to secure the edges if needed.
- Wrap with Bacon:
- Wrap each chicken breast with 2-3 slices of bacon, making sure the ends of the bacon are tucked under the chicken to hold them in place.
- If necessary, use toothpicks to secure the bacon.
- Season the Outside:
- Season the outside of the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts with a bit more salt, pepper, and paprika for added flavor and color.
- Bake:
- Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the bacon is crispy.
- Broil (Optional):
- If the bacon isn’t crispy enough, you can broil the chicken breasts for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Remove any toothpicks and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Tips:
- You can customize the filling by adding chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious bacon-wrapped cream cheese stuffed chicken breasts!