Chicken with Bacon and Cheese

Imagine sinking your fork into a tender piece of chicken, enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese filling, topped with crispy bacon that adds a delightful crunch. The Cheesy Chicken Delight with Bacon is not just a dish; it's an experience that resonates with food lovers across the spectrum. This recipe is a testament to the idea that comfort food can be both simple and gourmet, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or special occasions.

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Cheesy Chicken Delight with Bacon, a dish that elevates comfort food to gourmet heights. This simple yet impressive recipe features tender chicken breasts stuffed with a rich cheese filling and wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a symphony of flavors that's sure to please everyone. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it's easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices. Discover the joy of cooking and sharing this delightful meal today!

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 slices of bacon

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness, about 1 inch. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings in the skillet.

Sauté the chicken: In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed and sear the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Do not cook through, as they will finish baking in the oven.

Mix the cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Crumble 4 slices of cooked bacon into the mixture, and mix until well combined.

Stuff the chicken: Once the chicken breasts are seared, remove them from the skillet. Cut a pocket in each chicken breast and stuff generously with the cheese and bacon mixture.

Wrap with bacon: Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2 slices of the remaining bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.

Place in a baking dish: Transfer the chicken to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the bacon is crispy.

Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 55 minutes | 4 servings