Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Introduction
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both elegant and comforting, Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is the perfect choice. This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a savory filling of crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and onions, all wrapped up and cooked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to elevate your weeknight meals, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients Needed
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and large enough to be stuffed.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for a more robust flavor.
- Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms work well, offering a deep, earthy flavor.
- Onions: Finely chopped onions add sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic for an aromatic touch.
- Cheese: Optional, but adding mozzarella or Swiss cheese enhances the creamy texture.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme to season the chicken and filling.
- Olive Oil: For cooking the filling and searing the chicken.
- Chicken Broth or White Wine: For deglazing the pan and creating a sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Optional, for making a rich pan sauce.
Preparing the Chicken Breasts
Start by selecting large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These will be butterflied to create a pocket for the filling. To butterfly the chicken, place it on a cutting board and slice horizontally through the thickest part, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open the chicken like a book and season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for a subtle kick.
Making the Bacon Mushroom Filling
Cooking the Bacon:
Begin by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, leaving a bit of the rendered fat in the skillet.
Sautéing the Mushrooms and Onions:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Combining Ingredients:
Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces and mix it into the mushroom and onion mixture. If you’re adding cheese, stir it in now, allowing it to melt and bind the filling together. This filling should be flavorful, but not too moist, as excess moisture can cause the chicken to become soggy.
Stuffing the Chicken
Proper Techniques:
To stuff the chicken, place a generous spoonful of the filling into the butterflied chicken breast. Fold the chicken over the filling and secure the edges with toothpicks or kitchen twine to ensure that the filling stays inside during cooking.
Cooking Methods
Pan-Seared and Oven-Baked Method:
Heat a bit of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once seared, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Alternative Cooking Methods:
For a smoky flavor, try grilling the stuffed chicken over medium heat. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer for a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
Creating a Creamy Pan Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley
Instructions:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Return the skillet to the stove over medium heat, adding chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened. Pour the sauce over the stuffed chicken before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes:
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad. The richness of the stuffed chicken is complemented by light, fresh sides.
Wine Pairing:
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir would make excellent wine pairings, enhancing the flavors of the chicken without overpowering them.
Healthier Modifications
Using Turkey Bacon or Low-Fat Cheese:
For a lighter version of this dish, substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon and use low-fat cheese or omit it altogether.
Gluten-Free Modifications:
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply ensure that all your ingredients, especially the bacon and seasonings, are gluten-free.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Chicken:
One of the most common mistakes is overcooking the chicken, which can result in a dry, tough texture. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Using Too Much Filling:
While it may be tempting to stuff the chicken as much as possible, overfilling can cause the chicken to tear or the filling to spill out during cooking. Stick to a modest amount of filling for the best results.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Best Practices for Storing Leftovers:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will keep well for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips:
To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover the chicken to retain moisture.
Variations of Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken
Spinach and Cheese Variation:
Add sautéed spinach and a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese to the filling for a Mediterranean twist.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Variation:
For an Italian-inspired version, mix chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil into the filling, along with mozzarella cheese.
Nutritional Information
Calorie Count and Macronutrients:
Each serving of Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken contains approximately 350-450 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This dish is high in protein and provides a good source of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
Benefits of Protein and Vegetables:
This recipe is a balanced meal, offering a good mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber from the vegetables. It’s a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet while enjoying a flavorful dish.
Garnishing with Fresh Herbs:
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or even chives can add a touch of freshness and a burst of color that complements the rich flavors of the dish.
Conclusion
Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. With its combination of savory bacon, earthy mushrooms, and tender chicken, this dish is bound to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something delicious, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings and cooking methods to make this dish your own.
FAQs
1. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to keep it tightly wrapped to prevent drying out.
2. What Other Fillings Can I Use?
The possibilities are endless! You can try fillings like spinach and ricotta, sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella, or even a mixture of caramelized onions and blue cheese.
3. Can I Freeze Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed chicken before cooking. Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the cooking instructions.
4. How Do I Keep the Chicken Moist?
The key to moist chicken is not overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the right temperature. Also, consider brining the chicken beforehand to add extra moisture.
5. What is the Best Way to Reheat Without Drying Out?
Reheating in the oven is the best way to keep the chicken from drying out. Cover the chicken with foil to lock in moisture, and reheat at a low temperature (around 325°F or 165°C) until warmed through.
Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe
If you're looking for a dish that’s both elegant and comforting, Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken is the perfect choice. This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a savory filling of crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and onions, all wrapped up and cooked to perfection. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply want to elevate your weeknight meals, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- For the Stuffed Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 oz bacon
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 8 oz cheese, grated*
- 1 tsp oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp sour cream
- 3 Tbsp honey
- 1 ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard
- ⅛ tsp paprika
Instructions
Quick Prep:
- Turn oven on to 350°F at step 7.
How to Make Stuffed Chicken Recipe:
- Prepare honey mustard sauce. Combine the ingredients for the sauce, mix until well incorporated.
- Cut bacon into small pieces. Sauté in a large skillet until cooked, stirring frequently for even cooking. Remove bacon.
- Reserve 1 tsp of the grease drain the remaining grease. Add the mushroom reserved bacon grease and sauté until browned, lightly season with salt and pepper. Remove from pan, set aside to cool.
- Gently cut through the center of chicken breasts creating a pocket. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Open the chicken breast, stuff with cheese, mushrooms and bacon. Gently secure pocket with a toothpick.
- On med/high heat, add 1 tsp oil to skillet. Once hot, carefully transfer chicken to skillet. Sautee chicken 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked, flipping halfway (cooking time may differ, depending on the size of the chicken).
- Top stuffed chicken with remaining bacon, mushrooms and cheese. Drizzle sauce over everything. Cover skillet with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil, cook another 2-3 minutes.
Notes
Cheese Note*: Colby Jack, four cheese or Mexican may be used in this recipe.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 685