Cream Cheese Bacon Stuffed Chicken is a dish that never fails to impress, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Imagine succulent chicken breasts, tender and juicy, enveloping a rich filling of creamy cheese and crispy bacon. This delightful combination not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a satisfying texture that keeps you coming back for more.
Originating from the heart of American cuisine, this dish has become a favorite in many households, celebrated for its simplicity and flavor. The marriage of cream cheese and bacon creates a savory explosion that elevates the humble chicken breast into a gourmet experience. People love Cream Cheese Bacon Stuffed Chicken for its convenience; it’s easy to prepare yet looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (about 8 slices)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Filling
Let’s start by making the delicious filling for our chicken. This is where the magic happens!
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Using a fork or a spatula, mix everything together until well combined. You want to ensure that the bacon and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like a bit more kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce!
Preparing the Chicken
Now that our filling is ready, it’s time to prepare the chicken breasts. This step is crucial for ensuring that our filling stays inside the chicken while it cooks.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Take each chicken breast and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side of each breast. Be sure not to cut all the way through; you want to create a nice pocket to hold the filling.
- Once all the chicken breasts are prepared, season both sides with a little salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken itself.
Stuffing the Chicken
Now comes the fun part—stuffing the chicken with our creamy, cheesy filling!
- Using a spoon or a small spatula, take a generous amount of the cream cheese filling and carefully stuff it into the pocket of each chicken breast. Don’t be shy; you want to fill them up nicely!
- Once stuffed, use toothpicks to secure the opening of each chicken breast. This will help keep the filling from spilling out during cooking. Just be sure to remove the toothpicks before serving!
Cooking the Chicken
With our chicken stuffed and ready to go, it’s time to cook it to perfection.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sear the chicken, creating a beautiful golden crust.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This step adds flavor and texture to the chicken.
- After searing, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
Assembling and Serving
Now that our Cream Cheese Bacon Stuffed Chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to plate it up!
- Carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts. You can use a fork or your fingers, but be cautious as the chicken will be hot.
- Slice each chicken breast in half to reveal the delicious filling inside. This not only looks beautiful but also allows the flavors to shine through.
- Transfer the stuffed chicken to a serving platter. You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve the chicken with your favorite sides. I love pairing it
Conclusion:
In summary, this Cream Cheese Bacon Stuffed Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to impress at their next dinner gathering or simply enjoy a delicious meal at home. The combination of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and tender chicken creates a flavor explosion that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, which means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your friends and family. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a fresh garden salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the stuffed chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different fillings—try adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of your favorite herbs to customize it to your liking. I encourage you to give this Cream Cheese Bacon Stuffed Chicken a try and share your experience with me! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share it on social media; I can’t wait to see your delicious creations! Happy cooking! Print
Cream Cheese Bacon Stuffed Chicken: A Deliciously Easy Recipe to Impress Your Guests
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a delicious Cream Cheese Bacon Stuffed Chicken, featuring juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (about 8 slices)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the cream cheese filling using a spoon or spatula.
- Secure the opening of each breast with toothpicks.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Remove the toothpicks and slice each chicken breast in half to reveal the filling.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For added spice, consider incorporating cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the filling.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
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