There’s something irresistible about the combination of crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and tender chicken. Our Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or when you simply want something hearty and satisfying without hours of kitchen work. This dish comes together in just 40 minutes but tastes like you spent all day cooking.
Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a savory filling of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic and onion powder, and crispy bacon slices. Seared to golden perfection and baked until melty and moist, this recipe is a flavor explosion in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-Packed & Juicy – Bacon and cheese keep the chicken moist and bursting with rich, comforting taste.
- Easy Yet Impressive – Looks fancy, tastes indulgent, but comes together fast.
- Low Carb Friendly – A great fit for keto or low-carb meal plans.
- Customizable – Add herbs, swap cheeses, or wrap in prosciutto—this dish adapts to your cravings.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to make this indulgent stuffed chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Skillet (oven-safe preferred)
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Toothpicks
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
- Cutting board
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go once the chicken is seared.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon slices until crispy. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. You’ll use two strips per chicken breast.
3. Make the Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Prepare the Chicken
Lay your chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side of each one—don’t cut all the way through.
5. Stuff the Chicken
Fill each chicken breast with about a quarter of the cheese mixture and two slices of bacon. If necessary, use toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside.
6. Season and Sear
Sprinkle the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
7. Bake Until Done
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Serve and Garnish
Remove the toothpicks, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Wrap each cooked chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat:
Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes or in a covered skillet over low heat until heated through.
Tasty Variations
- Add Spinach: Mix in chopped spinach with the cheese for a little green boost.
- Switch the Cheese: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for new flavors.
- Wrap It Up: Wrap the entire stuffed chicken breast in prosciutto or extra bacon for a crispy outer layer.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of paprika or chili flakes for heat.
What to Serve With Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Here are some delicious side dish ideas that complement this savory entrée:
- Mashed Cauliflower or Potatoes – Creamy and comforting
- Roasted Vegetables – Such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans
- Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus – For a lighter option
- Simple Side Salad – Tossed in balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Buttered Egg Noodles – An easy, kid-friendly pairing
For drinks, consider:
- Dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
- Iced tea or lemon water for a refreshing contrast
- Craft beer like a pale ale or lager
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, but they’ll need a bit less baking time due to their smaller size.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries. After searing, simply transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish to finish in the oven.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Secure the openings with toothpicks and avoid overfilling. Chilling the stuffed chicken for 10–15 minutes before searing can also help.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Stuff the chicken, cover, and refrigerate up to one day in advance. Sear and bake when ready to eat.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! With minimal carbs and plenty of fat and protein, this recipe fits perfectly into a ketogenic meal plan.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
This Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast brings maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing guests, or just want something ultra-satisfying, this dish delivers every time.
Give it a try, and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow foodies and subscribe to the blog for more delicious, approachable, and flavor-packed meals. Happy cooking! 🧀🥓🍗