This dish is a perfect combination of savory flavors: tender chicken breast, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach, all wrapped in crispy bacon. It’s ideal for a special dinner or family meal, delivering both comfort and elegance in one bite.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600g)
- 150g spinach, chopped
- 100g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4-6 strips of bacon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket in each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the chopped spinach and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and cheese mixture.
- Wrap in Bacon:
- Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 1-2 strips of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if needed.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the wrapped chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the bacon is browned and crispy.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 75°C or 165°F).
- Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove the toothpicks, if used.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a side of tomato sauce.
- Try with quinoa or rice for a hearty and nutritious side.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh finish.
Cooking Tips
- Use toothpicks to secure the bacon if it doesn’t stay wrapped around the chicken.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic and lemon juice for 30 minutes before stuffing.
- If you prefer a crispier bacon, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create a deeper pocket for the filling.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the bacon; it can cause uneven cooking.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in protein from the chicken and cheese.
- Packed with vitamins A and K from the spinach.
- Rich in healthy fats from the bacon, providing a satisfying meal.
- Offers calcium and other essential nutrients from the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-free
- Low-carb
- Keto-friendly
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
Storage
- Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
- You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a delicious, indulgent dish that’s still easy to make.
- The creamy spinach and mozzarella filling complements the smoky bacon perfectly.
- Perfect for impressing guests or a cozy family dinner.
- Versatile, as you can adjust the filling to your liking with different cheeses or herbs.
Conclusion
This chicken breast stuffed with cheese and spinach, wrapped in bacon, is a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients while delivering big flavors. The crispy bacon and tender chicken provide the perfect balance of textures. Serve it up for a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or cream cheese for a different flavor. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff and wrap the chicken breasts the night before and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. - What can I serve this chicken with?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad would pair well with this dish. - Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and will give a juicier, more tender result. - Can I make this recipe low-fat?
You can use turkey bacon and reduce the amount of cheese to make the dish lower in fat. - How can I make the bacon extra crispy?
Broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to achieve a crispier texture. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken breasts for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain the texture. - How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). - Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Yes, mushrooms, onions, or even sun-dried tomatoes would be a great addition to the spinach and cheese mixture. - What can I use instead of spinach?
You can substitute spinach with other leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard, or arugula.