Tender chicken breasts filled with a rich, garlicky spinach and cream cheese mixture, wrapped in smoky bacon and roasted to golden perfection. This dish delivers an indulgent blend of textures—from the crisp bacon exterior to the creamy, savory filling inside—that transforms a simple chicken dinner into something extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines bold flavors with a stunning presentation, yet it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. The spinach and cream cheese filling adds moisture and richness, while the bacon seals in flavor and crisps up beautifully in the oven. It’s a low-carb, protein-packed dinner that’s perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Plus, it’s gluten-free and easily customizable to suit different tastes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- cream cheese, softened
- cooked spinach, chopped and drained
- grated parmesan cheese
- garlic, minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- bacon slices
- olive oil
- fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, chopped cooked spinach, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally without cutting all the way through. Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness.
- Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly down the center of each chicken breast.
- Roll the chicken breasts tightly around the filling.
- Wrap each chicken roll with 4 slices of bacon, ensuring the ends are tucked underneath to hold them in place.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the bacon-wrapped chicken on all sides until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crisp.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2–4 people, depending on portion size.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add Cheese: Include shredded mozzarella or cheddar inside for extra cheesiness.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh basil or thyme to the filling for added depth.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use turkey bacon and reduce added salt.
- Mushroom Filling: Substitute spinach with sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Freezing is possible—wrap the cooked and cooled chicken tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just make sure it is fully thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Do I need to secure the chicken with toothpicks?
You can use toothpicks if needed to hold the bacon in place, but tightly wrapping and tucking usually suffices.
Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop?
It’s best finished in the oven to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon, but you can start it on the stovetop.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it is low in carbohydrates and high in fat and protein, making it suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well. Adjust the cooking time slightly as they may cook faster.
What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, or a simple green salad.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken rolls and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I air fry this recipe?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
What’s the best way to keep the bacon from falling off?
Wrap it tightly and place the seam side down when baking; toothpicks can be added for extra security if needed.
Conclusion
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken with Spinach Cream Cheese is a decadent, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare but tastes restaurant-worthy. With a creamy, flavorful filling and a crispy bacon exterior, it’s the perfect meal for impressing guests or elevating a quiet dinner at home. Versatile and adaptable, this recipe is a true keeper for any home cook’s repertoire.
Print
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken with Spinach Cream Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender chicken breasts filled with creamy spinach cheese filling, wrapped in crispy bacon and roasted to perfection—an irresistible blend of textures and rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach, chopped and drained
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, chopped spinach, parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and place plastic wrap over them. Pound to even thickness.
- Spoon the spinach mixture into the center of each chicken breast and roll them up tightly.
- Wrap each chicken roll with bacon slices, tucking the ends underneath.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the wrapped chicken rolls on all sides until browned.
- Transfer to the baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and bacon is crisp.
- Let rest 5 minutes, then slice and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use toothpicks to secure the bacon if needed during cooking.
- Low-fat cream cheese can be used for a lighter version.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
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