Cheesy Bacon Stuffed Chicken Breasts
These Cheesy Bacon Stuffed Chicken Breasts are filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and garlic, then topped with more melted cheese and crispy bacon. Baked until golden, juicy, and bubbling, this comforting chicken dinner delivers rich flavor and an irresistible cheesy center. Fresh parsley adds a bright finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 4 Large chicken breasts Butterflied or pocket-cut
- 200 g Mozzarella and cheddar cheese, shredded Approximately 2 cups; divided between filling and topping
- 150 g Cream cheese, softened Approximately 2/3 cup
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced
- 150 g Thick-cut bacon Approximately 5 oz; chopped and cooked until crisp
- 30 ml Olive oil 2 tablespoons
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- Salt To taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper To taste
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley Finely chopped for garnish
- Cooking spray or oil For greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheese, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cut a deep pocket into each chicken breast and stuff generously with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Rub the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, then arrange them in the baking dish.
- Top each stuffed breast with the remaining shredded cheese and crispy bacon bits.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden-brown.
- Let rest briefly to allow the cheese pull and rich creamy coating to settle, garnish with fresh parsley, plate warmly, and serve.
Notes
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease the baking dish. Butterfly or cut a deep pocket into each chicken breast without slicing all the way through. Divide the shredded cheese between the filling and topping, as directed. Stuff the chicken with the cream cheese mixture, season the outside with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, then top with the remaining cheese and crisped bacon. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Rest briefly before garnishing with parsley and serving. Prep time is 20 minutes, cook time is 35 minutes, and yield is 4 servings, as provided. Nutrition values are estimates and may vary with the size of the chicken breasts, bacon, and cheese brands.