Prepare to elevate your comfort food experience with my Savory Bacon-wrapped Stuffed Chicken Thighs. This dish takes classic, hearty chicken thighs and transforms them into a visually stunning, yet approachable, culinary masterpiece. Wrapped in a golden, crispy bacon blanket and filled with a savory, herb-infused stuffing, these chicken thighs are the epitome of comfort food made gourmet.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Bacon-wrapped Stuffed Chicken Thighs
Indulge in the irresistible combination of juicy, tender chicken and the rich, salty goodness of bacon. The addition of a flavorful stuffing, featuring a mouthwatering blend of herbs and spices, takes this dish to new heights of deliciousness. Prepare to be captivated by the elegant presentation and the cozy, comforting flavors in every bite. This recipe is a true celebration of the art of comfort food, perfect for impressing your loved ones or treating yourself to a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Gather the finest, freshest ingredients to create this refined yet approachable dish. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, bacon, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a few simple seasonings. The combination of these high-quality, wholesome components will result in a truly heavenly meal.
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs – juicy, tender, and the perfect canvas for this dish.
- 8 slices of bacon – crispy, salty, and the ultimate comfort food indulgence.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – for a delectable, crispy stuffing texture.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – adds a savory, umami-rich element to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary – a fragrant, aromatic blend to elevate the stuffing.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in the stuffing — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Dairy-free option: Swap the parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative, such as nutritional yeast — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Savory Bacon-wrapped Stuffed Chicken Thighs
Prepare to transform classic comfort food into a work of edible art. Follow these simple yet elegant steps to create this show-stopping dish.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by gently pounding the chicken thighs to an even thickness, ensuring a uniform cooking time. In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan, chopped herbs, and seasonings to create the flavorful stuffing. Carefully slice the chicken thighs, creating a pocket for the delectable filling.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spoon the fragrant stuffing into the chicken thighs, then wrap each one in a strip of crispy bacon. Arrange the stuffed, bacon-wrapped chicken on a baking sheet, and let the oven work its luscious, cozy-making wonders for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is golden brown.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result. Plate the savory bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken thighs, admiring the elegant presentation. Get ready to delight your senses and satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Cheese Addition: For a more decadent twist, try adding a creamy cheese, such as brie or goat cheese, to the stuffing.
- Herb Swaps: You can also experiment with different herb combinations, like rosemary and thyme, or swap in your favorite seasonings.
- Bacon Securing: To ensure even cooking, use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place.
- Basting: Don’t forget to baste the chicken with the delectable pan juices for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Savory Bacon-wrapped Stuffed Chicken Thighs are the perfect centerpiece for a cozy, family-style dinner. Serve them alongside your favorite roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete, visually stunning meal.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Make-Ahead: The stuffed, bacon-wrapped chicken thighs can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prepping or entertaining, as you can simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Savory Bacon-wrapped Stuffed Chicken Thighs is a delightful balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. The chicken provides a lean source of protein, while the bacon and stuffing add a touch of indulgence. Pair this dish with a vibrant salad or roasted veggies for a well-rounded, nourishing meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and inspired.
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed, bacon-wrapped chicken thigh
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 745 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While chicken thighs are the preferred choice for their superior juiciness and flavor, you can certainly use chicken breasts in this recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as breasts may require a slightly shorter baking period to avoid dryness.
How do I ensure the stuffing stays in the chicken?
Securing the bacon around the chicken thighs is the key to keeping the delicious stuffing in place. You can also use toothpicks to help hold the chicken together during the cooking process.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The stuffed, bacon-wrapped chicken thighs can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prepping or entertaining, as you can simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
With a simple substitution of gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in the stuffing, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Adjust any other ingredients as needed to suit your dietary requirements.
How can I make this dish more visually stunning?
Consider arranging the stuffed, bacon-wrapped chicken thighs in a decorative pattern on your serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch of elegance.
Try These Next
- Savory Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs With Maple Glaze
- Bacon Wrapped Mac N Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Cheesy Garlic Bacon Ranch Stuffed Chicken
Savory Bacon-wrapped Stuffed Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Savory Bacon-wrapped Stuffed Chicken Thighs are a delicious and hearty dish, perfect for dinner. Juicy chicken thighs are stuffed with a flavorful mixture and wrapped in crispy bacon for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
2 cups spinach, chopped
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
8 slices of bacon
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Take each chicken thigh and stuff it with the cheese mixture.
4. Wrap each stuffed chicken thigh with two slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped thighs in a baking dish.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in your favorite seasoning for a few hours before stuffing.
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken thigh
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg