Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 slices of bacon, chopped (optional for wrapping)
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 4 large potatoes, diced
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- Foil for covering
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the thickest part, creating a pocket for stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the cream cheese mixture, evenly distributing it among the four breasts. If you’re wrapping the chicken with bacon, use toothpicks to secure the bacon around each stuffed chicken breast.
- Place the stuffed and/or bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the center of a large baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, trimmed green beans, and chopped bacon (if not used for wrapping). Toss the vegetables and bacon with melted butter until well coated.
- Arrange the seasoned vegetables around the stuffed chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil, sealing it tightly to keep the moisture in.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil to allow the chicken and vegetables to brown.
- Continue baking uncovered for an additional 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and the vegetables are tender.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
This budget-friendly and easy-to-make recipe delivers a deliciously creamy and savory dish with the goodness of cream cheese, bacon, and perfectly roasted vegetables. Enjoy your Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
Here are some tips to make your Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken with Roasted Vegetables even more delicious:
- Chicken Preparation:
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of similar thickness for even cooking.
- Use a sharp knife to butterfly the chicken breasts evenly, creating a pocket for the cream cheese stuffing.
- Cream Cheese Mixture:
- Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth and easily spreadable consistency.
- Customize the seasoning of the cream cheese mixture to your liking. Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for extra flavor.
- Bacon Wrapping:
- If wrapping the chicken with bacon, partially cook the bacon beforehand for a crispier texture. This helps the bacon to cook evenly with the chicken.
- Secure the bacon with toothpicks, but remember to inform diners to watch out for them when eating.
- Vegetable Selection:
- Choose fresh and vibrant green beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Mix in a variety of colored potatoes for visual appeal and different flavors.
- Vegetable Seasoning:
- Toss the vegetables in the melted butter thoroughly to ensure an even coating of flavor.
- Add additional seasonings to the vegetables, such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs, for extra taste.
- Cooking Temperature and Time:
- Preheat the oven to the specified temperature to ensure even cooking from the start.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Covering with Foil:
- Seal the foil tightly around the baking dish to trap moisture, keeping the chicken juicy and preventing the vegetables from drying out.
- Use non-stick foil or lightly grease regular foil to prevent sticking.
- Browning and Crisping:
- Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the chicken and bacon to brown.
- For an extra crispy finish, broil for a few minutes at the end, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Resting Time:
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute within the chicken, keeping it moist.
- Presentation:
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a finishing touch.
- Serve on a platter to showcase the colorful vegetables and bacon-wrapped chicken.
By following these tips, you’ll elevate the flavors and textures of your dish, ensuring a delightful dining experience for yourself and your guests
