Description
Discover oven-baked perfection: tender chicken breast stuffed with a rich, smoked paprika-garlic cream cheese, exquisitely enveloped in crispy turkey turkey bacon. Complete recipe & nutrition details inside.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8–10 oz each)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6–8 slices turkey turkey bacon
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the chicken by butterflying each breast open or pounding it thin to about 1/2 inch thickness. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional chives. Mix well.
- Step 2: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over one side of each butterflied chicken breast. Carefully fold the chicken breast over the filling, or roll it up tightly if pounded thin, ensuring the cream cheese is enclosed.
- Step 3: Wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly with 3-4 slices of turkey turkey bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if needed. Ensure the turkey bacon covers as much of the chicken surface as possible.
- Step 4: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey bacon-wrapped chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until the turkey bacon starts to brown and crisp up.
- Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 6: Remove from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, perfect for a quick and tasty lunch.
- For the best texture, gently reheat your chicken in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, which helps crisp up the turkey turkey bacon again.
- This rich and satisfying dish shines when served alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or some simply roasted asparagus to balance the flavors.
- Chef's Tip: To give your cream cheese filling an extra pop, try stirring in a tablespoon of finely minced sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of dried herbs like oregano along with the chives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast (approx. 7 oz / 200g cooked)
- Calories: 470
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Protein: 3g