Are you ready to transform an ordinary chicken dinner into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece? This Bacon Wrapped Spinach Goat Cheese Chicken is not just a recipe—it's a gourmet experience that combines creamy goat cheese, tender spinach, and crispy bacon in one irresistible dish. Imagine cutting into a perfectly cooked chicken breast to reveal a luscious, green-flecked cheese filling that promises to tantalize every single taste bud. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces goat cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 8 slices of bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Gather all your ingredients: boneless chicken breasts, goat cheese, fresh spinach, bacon, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once heated, add the fresh spinach and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach with the goat cheese. Mix until well combined, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Take each chicken breast and make a pocket in the side by slicing it horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will hold the spinach and goat cheese mixture.
- Stuff each chicken breast with an equal portion of the spinach and goat cheese mixture, pressing gently to secure it inside.
- Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with two slices of bacon, ensuring the bacon covers the opening of the pocket to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in a baking dish. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. You can check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will help retain the juices inside.
- Slice the chicken breasts in half to reveal the spinach and goat cheese filling, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Bacon Wrapped Spinach Goat Cheese Chicken!
Tips
- Choose high-quality, thick-cut bacon to ensure a crispy exterior and proper coverage of the chicken.
- Make sure to pat the chicken breasts dry before stuffing to help the bacon adhere better and create a crispier texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to your spinach and goat cheese mixture.
- If the bacon isn't crispy enough after baking, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon or reduce the number of bacon slices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 55g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 160mg
