Chicken Breast Stuffed with Bacon Delight

This savory dish combines succulent chicken breast with a rich, cheesy filling accented by mushrooms and aromatic herbs, all encased in crispy bacon. This dish not only offers a burst of flavors but also showcases a beautiful contrast in textures, from the tender chicken to the creamy filling and the crispy bacon exterior. The stuffing process is simple but requires precision to prevent the filling from escaping. Combining fresh ingredients, such as parsley, dill, and Philadelphia cheese, ensures that every bite is flavorful without additional seasoning. Cooking this dish is a seamless balance between stovetop searing and oven finishing, ensuring the chicken is perfectly cooked and bacon crisply rendered. This recipe is perfect for an indulgent dinner or a special occasion, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who tastes it. Serve it with a light salad or some rice to complement the bold flavors. Eating this dish is a sensory experience, engaging sight, smell, and taste in a delightful meal that's simple to prepare but impressive to present. Give it a try, and let this bacon-wrapped dream become a reality in your kitchen!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 package of Philadelphia cheese, plain
• 100 g fresh mushrooms
• 2 garlic cloves
• A pinch of herbs (parsley and dill)
• 1 package of smoked bacon

Sauces

• 2 tablespoons pesto

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Carefully slice pockets into the chicken breasts. To do this easily, place your palm on the meat and make a small cut with a sharp knife where the breast is thickest. Gently widen the cut to create a pocket, ensuring not to tear through to the other side.
2. Prepare the chicken filling by finely dicing the mushrooms and mincing one garlic clove.
3. Chop the fresh herbs finely and add them to the mushroom mixture along with two tablespoons of pesto.
4. Combine the mushroom-herb mixture with Philadelphia cheese until smooth. The ingredients usually contain enough salt, so additional seasoning is unnecessary.
5. Stuff the mixture into the chicken pockets, making sure they're filled but can still close snugly.
6. Lay the bacon slices flat, overlapping the edges by about 1 cm. Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, four slices per breast typically suffice.
7. Roll the stuffed chicken breasts in bacon, wrapping them perpendicularly to create a firm bacon roll. Repeat for the second breast.
8. Heat a pan with olive oil until hot, then sear each bacon-wrapped chicken for 3 minutes per side until the bacon crisps and develops a nice color. Mince the remaining garlic clove and add it to the pan for flavor infusion.
9. For cooking, you have two options: continue cooking on the stove for an additional 3 minutes per side or transfer to an oven dish and bake for 12 minutes at 180°C.
10. Let the chicken cool slightly before slicing to retain the juices.

Tips

• Substitutions: Use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
• Use any soft cream cheese if Philadelphia isn't available.
• Cooked and caramelized onions can be added for an additional sweet layer of flavor.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Fats: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 5g

Variations

• For a spicier option, add chopped chili or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling.
• Substitute fresh herbs with dry Italian seasoning if desired.
• Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with portobello mushrooms and omit bacon.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of rice, quinoa, or a light mixed leaf salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Pairs well with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Best Places

• Bacon Bar - A dedicated bacon lover's paradise.
  Location: 123 Crispy Lane, Food City, USA.
• Cheese & Delight - Known for inventive cheese-filled creations.
  Location: 45 Gourmet Avenue, Culinary Town, France.
• Mushroom Magic - Specializes in mushroom-infused dishes.
  Location: 256 Fungi Street, Flavor City, Italy.
• Herb Haven - A restaurant focusing on fresh, locally-sourced herbs.
  Location: 678 Garden Road, Spice Town, UK.
• Perpendicular Plates - Famous for their unique bacon dishes.
  Location: 12 Linear Drive, Sizzling City, Canada.
• Philadelphia Paradise - All things cream cheese at your reach.
  Location: 90 Dairy Lane, Cheeseville, USA.
• Pesto Palace - Italian dining with a focus on rare pesto variations.
  Location: 34 Green Street, Basil Town, Italy.
• Garlic Gardens - Enhancing every dish with garlic magic.
  Location: 89 Aromatic Park, Bulb City, USA.
• Succulent Slices - Expertly prepared meat dishes.
  Location: 73 Tenderloin Trail, Carnivore City, USA.
• Tasteful Twists - Known for their modern takes on classic dishes.
  Location: 17 Innovative Boulevard, Fusion Town, Japan.