Creamy Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Ingredients for Creamy Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a fantastic meal! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These are the perfect base for our stuffing, providing a tender and juicy experience.
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled – Bacon adds that irresistible smoky flavor and crunch that everyone loves.
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped – Fresh spinach not only adds color but also a nutritious boost.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Cream cheese is key for creating that rich and creamy texture in the filling.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella brings a delightful stretchiness and a mild flavor.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan enhances the savory profile of the dish with its nutty taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic powder adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder – A hint of onion flavor enhances the overall taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika – This adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the chicken and bacon.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
• Olive oil (for cooking) – Olive oil is perfect for browning the chicken and preventing sticking.

Directions to Prepare Creamy Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started on preparing this mouthwatering dish! Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

1. Prepare the Chicken

First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, take your sharp knife and create a pocket in the center of each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want enough space to hold the creamy filling. This step is crucial as it allows for the stuffing to be securely contained inside the chicken.

2. Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined, and the mixture is creamy. The result should be a rich, flavorful filling that you can’t resist. If you taste a little bit, you’ll understand why it’s going to elevate your chicken to new heights!

3. Stuff the Chicken

Once your filling is ready, it’s time to stuff the chicken breasts! Carefully spoon the creamy bacon and spinach mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Don’t overfill them; you want the stuffing to be secure but not spilling out everywhere. After stuffing, use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the opening of each chicken breast. This will help keep the filling inside during cooking, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.

4. Cook the Chicken

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet, browning them on both sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Browning adds a lovely color and flavor to the chicken, making it even more appetizing.

Once the chicken is browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe for consumption, the internal temperature must reach 165°F (74°C). If you have a meat thermometer, this is a great tool to ensure perfect doneness!

5. Serve

After the chicken has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period is essential for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and juicy. When ready to serve, remove the toothpicks or twine and slice the chicken. Serve the Creamy Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken hot, and enjoy the incredible flavors and creamy filling in every bite!

Nutritional Information

For those who are health-conscious, here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (1 chicken breast):

• Calories: 500 kcal
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg

This dish offers a hearty serving of protein, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet while enjoying a delicious meal.

Perfect Pairings for Creamy Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken

While the stuffed chicken is a star in its own right, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal even further. Here are some delicious side dish ideas to complement this rich and savory chicken:

Delicious Side Dish Ideas

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the stuffed chicken. You can even add some garlic to the mash to echo the flavors in the chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers, adds color and nutrition to your plate while providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy chicken.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, croutons, and a tangy dressing is a refreshing counterpoint to the rich stuffing.

Beverage Pairings

To wash down your Creamy Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken, consider serving it with a refreshing beverage. Iced tea, sparkling water with a twist of lemon, or a light soda are all great non-alcoholic options that can balance the richness of the dish.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken

How to Get the Chicken Just Right

• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked without drying it out, use a meat thermometer. This tool will help you achieve that perfect juicy texture.
• Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest after baking to keep it moist and tender. This step makes a big difference in the overall texture of the meat.

Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together for an even tastier dish.

How Can I Make It Healthier?

For a lighter version of this dish, consider using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and reduce the amount of cream cheese. You can also incorporate more spinach to boost the nutrition without adding too many calories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Different Cheeses?

Certainly! While this recipe calls for mozzarella and Parmesan, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor twist. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the taste and texture slightly.

Can I Use Bone-In Chicken?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted. Bone-in chicken typically requires a longer cooking time, so ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What Should I Do With Leftovers?

You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again. The flavors often become even more pronounced the next day!

Can I Freeze This Dish?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed chicken before cooking. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Conclusion

Creamy Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a dish that brings together rich flavors and comforting ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting friends for a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses creates a filling that takes ordinary chicken breasts to extraordinary heights.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients, and try this scrumptious recipe tonight! You won’t be disappointed, and your taste buds will thank you for it. Enjoy this creamy, savory dish that is bound to become a favorite in your household!

Creamy Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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• Author: Sofia Rojas
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in this Creamy Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and savory filling of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use a sharp knife to create a pocket in the center of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
• Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
• Stuff the Chicken: Stuff each chicken breast with the creamy bacon and spinach filling. Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling inside during cooking.
• Cook the Chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Brown the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Then, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
• Serve: Remove the toothpicks or twine from the chicken, slice, and serve the Creamy Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken hot. Enjoy!

Notes

• Feel free to substitute the bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
• Add additional herbs or spices to the filling for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking and Searing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
• Calories: 500 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Creamy Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken, Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe, Bacon Spinach Chicken