Prepare to experience the ultimate in comfort food elegance with this Bacon-wrapped Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Bake. As Chef Crenn of CrennRecipes.com, I invite you to step into my kitchen and let’s transform classic flavors into a visually stunning, feel-good dish that will leave you and your loved ones delighted. This bake is the perfect balance of rich, savory indulgence and refined, approachable comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon-wrapped Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Bake
This dish is a true masterpiece of culinary artistry and cozy, comforting flavors. The juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a decadent cheddar cheese filling, then wrapped in crispy, golden bacon for a dish that’s both visually stunning and utterly delicious. The combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and salty bacon creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Best of all, this recipe is designed to be approachable and easy enough for any home cook to recreate, allowing you to bring a touch of gourmet elegance to your everyday meals.
Ingredients
For this Bacon-wrapped Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Bake, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. The chicken is then wrapped in thick-cut bacon for a beautiful, golden crust and an extra pop of flavor.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Pounded to an even thickness for even cooking.
- 8 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded – For a rich, melty filling.
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened – Adds creaminess to the stuffing.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the filling with savory depth.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – Brightens and balances the flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese make a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for a perfect dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Bacon-wrapped Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Bake
This Bacon-wrapped Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Bake comes together in just a few simple steps, allowing you to enjoy gourmet-level comfort food with minimal effort.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and preparing a baking dish. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, then create a pocket in each one for the cheese filling. In a bowl, mix together the cheddar, cream cheese, garlic, and parsley until well combined.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture, then wrap it tightly in bacon, ensuring the seam is on the bottom. Place the stuffed, bacon-wrapped chicken in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the chicken for 30-40 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Once the chicken is cooked through, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The resting period allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to set, creating a truly heavenly dish.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese filling for a delightful kick of heat.
- Cheese Blend: Swap out the cheddar for a blend of cheeses, such as Parmesan and mozzarella, for a more gourmet flavor profile.
- Garnish with Herbs: To make this dish even more visually appealing, garnish it with fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving.
- Crispy Bacon: For the ultimate crispy bacon crust, bake the chicken at a high temperature (around 400°F) and consider broiling for the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the leftover chicken in the oven or microwave.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed, bacon-wrapped chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake, making it a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
Nutrition Information
This Bacon-wrapped Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Bake is a rich and indulgent dish, but it can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a good source of protein from the chicken, as well as essential nutrients from the cheese and fresh herbs. However, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes and to pair this dish with lighter, nutrient-dense side dishes.
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed, bacon-wrapped chicken breast
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 45 g
- Carbs: 3 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out while baking?
To keep the cheese firmly inside the chicken, be sure to thoroughly seal the pocket with the bacon wrap. Additionally, avoid overfilling the chicken breasts with too much cheese mixture.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed, bacon-wrapped chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
While this recipe is inherently indulgent, you can make a few modifications to lighten it up. For example, you can use leaner cuts of bacon, opt for low-fat or reduced-fat cheese, and serve it with a side of roasted vegetables.
How can I ensure the bacon gets crispy?
To achieve a perfectly crispy bacon crust, be sure to use thick-cut bacon and bake the chicken at a high temperature (around 400°F). You can also try broiling the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking to get that irresistible, golden-brown finish.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe, and may even result in a more tender and juicy final dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Try These Next
- Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Fiesta Bake
- Savory Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Thighs
- Bacon Wrapped Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bites
Bacon-wrapped Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Bacon-wrapped Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Bake is a delicious and hearty dinner option that combines juicy chicken breasts with creamy cheddar cheese, all wrapped in crispy bacon.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
8 slices of bacon
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each chicken breast with shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the bacon-wrapped chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side.
6. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken before wrapping it with bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg