Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

The Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is a savory, rich, and flavorful dish that is perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or an indulgent weeknight treat. This recipe combines the tenderness of chicken breast with the creamy, rich texture of cream cheese, complemented by the smoky crispiness of bacon. It’s a crowd-pleaser that blends textures and flavors perfectly.

The dish can be customized in many ways, from the filling to the seasoning and even the cooking method. Whether you’re cooking it in the oven, on the stovetop, or on the grill, this recipe is easy to adapt to your kitchen and needs.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Butterfly the Chicken Breasts: To create a pocket for the cream cheese filling, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, starting from the thicker side. Don’t cut all the way through; leave a hinge so you can open the chicken like a book. If the chicken breasts are very thick, you may want to pound them out to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.

2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken itself before you add the filling and the bacon.

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Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the shredded cheddar cheese (if using), Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the mixture seems too stiff, add a little more cream cheese or a splash of milk to loosen it up.

2. Stuff the Chicken: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast. Be careful not to overstuff, as you want to be able to close the chicken around the filling. Press the edges of the chicken breast gently to seal the filling inside.

Step 3: Wrap the Chicken in Bacon

1. Wrap with Bacon: Take 2 slices of bacon and wrap them around each stuffed chicken breast. Start at one end and work your way around the chicken until it is fully encased in the bacon. If needed, secure the bacon with toothpicks to keep it in place while cooking.

   • Tip: If you like your bacon extra crispy, you can overlap the bacon slightly so that there’s more coverage, or you can add extra slices of bacon to the outside.

2. Optional – Secure with Toothpicks: If the bacon slices don’t stay in place on their own, you can use toothpicks to secure the bacon at both ends of the chicken breast.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken (Optional)

Searing the chicken is optional but helps create a crispy, golden bacon exterior while sealing in the juices of the chicken.

1. Heat a Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil (about 1 tablespoon).

2. Sear the Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Once the skillet is hot, place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bacon starts to crisp up. You don’t need to fully cook the chicken at this point; just sear the bacon and chicken for color.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Transfer to the Oven: Once the bacon is seared, transfer the skillet (if oven-safe) or the chicken breasts to a baking dish. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

   • Tip: Check the bacon around the 15-minute mark. If the bacon is getting too dark, you can cover the chicken loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.

3. Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when the juices run clear, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The bacon should be crispy and the cream cheese filling should be hot and bubbling inside.

Step 6: Serve

1. Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute inside the chicken.

2. Serve: Slice each chicken breast in half to reveal the creamy, cheesy filling inside. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary, and drizzle with any sauce you’ve prepared.

   • Optional Sauce: If you want a creamy sauce, melt some butter in a small pan, add chicken broth (or heavy cream), and simmer for a few minutes. Add some fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

1. Side Dishes: This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

   • Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus, provide a nice contrast to the richness of the bacon and cream cheese.

   • Potatoes: Serve with mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or even a simple potato salad.

   • Salads: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the bacon-wrapped chicken.

Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast

1. Chicken Breast Thickness: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider butterflying them or pounding them to even thickness for more consistent cooking. If they’re too thick, the bacon may get overcooked before the chicken is fully done.

2. Bacon Choice: Use thick-cut bacon for this recipe. It provides a better texture and flavor than thinner bacon, and it holds up better during the cooking process. If you’re looking for a slightly different flavor, try maple bacon or peppered bacon for an additional twist.

3. Cream Cheese Variations: You can customize the cream cheese filling by adding different herbs and cheeses. Try goat cheese, ricotta, or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile. You could also add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling for more depth.

4. Wrapping with Bacon: If you find it difficult to wrap the bacon neatly, you can use toothpicks or kitchen twine to help secure the bacon around the chicken. Make sure the ends of the bacon are tucked under the chicken to prevent them from unraveling while cooking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Undercooked Chicken: Always use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Chicken breasts are easy to overcook, so be sure to check for doneness early to avoid dry meat.

2. Bacon That Isn’t Crisp: If your bacon isn’t crisp after baking, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just be sure to watch it carefully so the bacon doesn’t burn.

3. Overstuffing the Chicken: Be careful not to overstuff the chicken breasts. The filling should be substantial but not excessive, as too much filling can cause the chicken to split or the filling to spill out during cooking.

Variations

1. Stuffing Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can try other fillings like:

   • Spinach and ricotta

   • Sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese

   • Sausage and mozzarella

   • Mushroom and Swiss cheese

2. Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: If you prefer grilling, you can grill these bacon-wrapped chicken breasts over medium heat, turning occasionally until fully cooked. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.

3. Low-Carb Version: To make this recipe more low-carb, you can skip the cream cheese filling and use a mixture of sautéed vegetables and cheese. You can also serve the chicken with a low-carb side like cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles).

Conclusion

Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a perfect combination of savory flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a family dinner or a special occasion, it is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and versatile options, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. Don’t forget to experiment with different flavor variations and side dishes to create the perfect meal!