Chicken Breast With Bacon
Juicy chicken breasts wrapped in bacon with creamy cheese and green onions create a savory, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Form the softened cream cheese into walnut-sized balls.
- Wrap each cheese ball with a boned and skinned chicken breast piece, approximately half of a breast per cheese ball.
- Wrap two slices of bacon around each chicken breast, covering as much as possible.
- Secure each wrapped chicken breast with a toothpick and remove the toothpick after baking.
- Place the wrapped chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 1 hour or until the chicken is tender.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the cream cheese mixture. If you don't have bacon, prosciutto or pancetta can serve as a delicious alternative. To ensure even cooking, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a moister result. For a fresh twist, add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken breasts with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. They pair wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes or rice to soak up any juices. For a complete dinner experience, consider serving with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea. Explore more delicious chicken recipes for more variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium heat, but be careful not to dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Breast With Bacon contains roughly 557 calories, with 16g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value) and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1198mg per serving (52% 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 these chicken breasts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the wrapped chicken breasts a day in advance. Simply store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake them. Just keep in mind that they may need a few extra minutes in the oven if baked straight from the fridge.
What temperature should I bake the chicken at?
Bake the chicken breasts at 350°F for optimal cooking. This temperature allows the bacon to crisp up while the chicken remains juicy. Make sure to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Can I use other types of cheese instead of cream cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese with other soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it will still yield a delicious result.
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).