Who doesn’t love a delicious, comforting dish that combines the savory goodness of bacon, the earthy flavor of mushrooms, and the tenderness of chicken? Today, we’re diving into the realm of hearty and satisfying meals with our recipe for Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or to impress your guests with its flavors and presentation. Let’s get cooking!
**Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast**
**Ingredients:**
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 slices of bacon
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Toothpicks
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
3. In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the mushrooms and garlic until they are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
4. Flatten the chicken breasts using a meat mallet or rolling pin to about 1/4 inch thickness. Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
5. Divide the mushroom mixture among the chicken breasts, spreading it evenly over each piece. Then sprinkle the crumbled bacon and shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the mushrooms.
6. Carefully roll up each chicken breast, tucking in the sides as you go, and secure with toothpicks to hold the stuffing inside.
7. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, seam side down. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Optional: For a golden brown finish, broil the chicken breasts for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
9. Remove the toothpicks before serving. Slice the Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast into rounds and serve with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.
Enjoy the rich and flavorful combination of bacon, mushrooms, and melted cheese, all packed into a juicy chicken breast. This recipe is sure to become a household favorite for cozy dinners and special occasions. Experiment with different cheeses or additional herbs to customize the flavors to your liking. Bon appétit!
