Stuffed Chicken Breast With Feta Cheese Spinach And Bacon
Chicken breasts are a staple in many American households, but they can often be bland and boring. That's where this stuffed chicken breast recipe comes in. By filling the chicken with a mixture of feta cheese, spinach, and bacon, you'll add a ton of flavor to a classic dish. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal when you want to impress your family or guests. Plus, it's easy to make, and the results are always delicious.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the filling:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment:
- Meat mallet
- Cooking twine
- Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
- Meat thermometer
Instructions
1. Preheat oven and prepare chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Using a meat mallet, pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook bacon and prepare filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked bacon, crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Stuff and tie chicken:
Using a spoon, divide the filling mixture evenly among the chicken breasts. Roll each chicken breast tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Use cooking twine to tie the chicken breasts closed. This will help the filling stay inside as the chicken cooks.
4. Cook chicken:
In an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
5. Make sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly. Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, until it thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Serve:
Remove the stuffed chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Remove the cooking twine and slice the chicken into rounds. Serve with the sauce drizzled over the top and garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Variations
There are many ways to customize this stuffed chicken breast recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Use different types of cheese, such as goat cheese, blue cheese, or cheddar
- Swap out the spinach for kale or arugula
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or roasted red peppers to the filling
- Instead of bacon, use prosciutto, ham, or pancetta
Experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect stuffed chicken breast recipe.
Conclusion
Stuffed chicken breast with feta cheese, spinach, and bacon is a delicious and impressive meal that's perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can make a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy the compliments from your family and friends.