Description
This Bacon and Cheddar Stuffed Chicken is packed with crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and juicy chicken breasts! A perfect easy dinner recipe that’s bursting with smoky, cheesy goodness. Bake, grill, or even slow-cook for a delicious meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff the Chicken: Mix the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl. Stuff each chicken breast evenly with the mixture.
- Secure the Chicken: Use kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure the opening and keep the filling inside.
- Season: Brush the chicken with olive oil or melted butter. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, sear it in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before baking.
- You can swap cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a twist on flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Grilling, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: ~450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 120mg