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CHICKEN BREAST STUFFED WITH HOT BACON,SPINACH

Stuffed chicken breast is a versatile and delicious dish, and when you add the smoky flavor of hot bacon and the freshness of spinach, you get a flavorful and impressive main course. Here’s a simple recipe for Chicken Breast Stuffed with Hot Bacon and Spinach:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Stuffing:

  • 6 slices bacon, diced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For the Sauce:

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening, if desired)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken:

  • Butterfly the chicken breasts by making a horizontal cut through the center, leaving the edges intact, to create a pocket. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.

3. Cook the Bacon:

  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.

4. Sauté Spinach and Garlic:

  • Add chopped spinach and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the spinach is wilted.

5. Prepare the Stuffing:

  • In a bowl, combine the cooked bacon and spinach mixture with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

6. Stuff the Chicken:

  • Stuff each chicken breast with the bacon and spinach mixture. Secure with toothpicks if needed.

7. Sear the Chicken:

  • In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

8. Transfer to Oven:

  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

9. Make the Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, add chicken broth, heavy cream, and butter. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes. If desired, whisk in flour to thicken the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

10. Serve: – Spoon the sauce over the stuffed chicken breasts and serve immediately. Remove toothpicks before serving.

Tips:

  • Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends for the stuffing, such as Swiss, cheddar, or provolone.
  • Vegetable Additions: Enhance the stuffing with diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts for added flavor.
  • Side Dish Suggestions: Serve the stuffed chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

This Chicken Breast Stuffed with Hot Bacon and Spinach is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress your guests. The combination of savory bacon, vibrant spinach, and creamy cheese makes this stuffed chicken a standout meal. Enjoy!

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