Bacon And Cheese Chicken
Bacon and cheese-stuffed chicken breasts glazed with a honey mustard marinade, topped with mushrooms, and melted cheeses for a rich, savory flavor perfect for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Honey ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice ⓘ
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 tbsp butter ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
- 8 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine Dijon mustard, honey, vegetable oil, and lemon juice to make the marinade.
- Pour two-thirds of the marinade over chicken breasts and marinate for two hours.
- Chill the remaining marinade.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sear chicken in a pan for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Place the seared chicken in a baking dish.
- While chicken is cooking, sauté sliced mushrooms in butter.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika.
- Stack two slices of cooked bacon crosswise on each chicken breast.
- Spoon sautéed mushrooms over the bacon-topped chicken.
- Spread 1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese and 1/4 cup cheddar cheese on each breast.
- Bake in the oven for 7-10 minutes until cheese melts and chicken is cooked through.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the cooked chicken.
- Serve with extra honey mustard on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using applewood smoked bacon instead of regular bacon. If you're in a hurry, consider using boneless, skinless thighs instead of breasts, as they tend to remain juicier. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; this helps achieve a nice golden-brown crust. Adjust the seasoning to your preference and feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside roasted potatoes or rice for a heartier option. Drizzle any leftover honey mustard over the sides for added flavor. Consider serving with a light white wine for a lovely dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you want to keep the cheese melty, cover the dish with foil while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon And Cheese Chicken contains roughly 442 calories, with 12g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (131% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (88% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2480mg per serving (108% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the marinade a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together even more. Just remember to pour two-thirds over the chicken before marinating and keep the remaining portion chilled for serving later.
What is a good substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don't have Dijon mustard, you can substitute with yellow mustard or whole grain mustard, although the flavor will be slightly different. For a spicier kick, consider using spicy brown mustard. Just keep in mind that the sweetness of honey will balance out the tanginess, so adjust accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and assemble it with bacon and cheese in advance, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).