Bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts that bake up juicy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Crispy, smoky bacon adds sweet-salty contrast and creates a simple pan sauce for spooning over the top.
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Cook Time25 minutesmins
Total Time55 minutesmins
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bacon wrapped stuffed chicken, stuffed chicken, stuffed chicken breast with bacon
4tablespoonsoil packed sun dried tomatoesdrained and blotted of oil
2ouncesfresh basil leaves
12slicesthin-cut bacon
2tablespoonshoneyslightly warm
For the Sauce:
¾cupchicken brothto deglaze the pan
2tablespoonsbutter
2tablespoonsall-purpose flour
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the thick side of each chicken breast, taking care not to slice all the way through.
In a small bowl, mix the garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, then sprinkle the mixture inside the pocket of each chicken breast.
Cut the slices of Provolone into strips and layer inside each pocket with a tablespoon, or more, of sun dried tomatoes and basil leaves.
Wrap each chicken breast with 2 to 3 slices of bacon, covering it completely. Secure with toothpicks if needed. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken on a rimmed sheet pan and brush the bacon with the warmed honey.
Transfer the sheet pan to the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts (see Notes for details). The internal temperature should reach 165°F when checked with a thermometer in the thickest part of the meat.
Baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through baking. If the bacon isn’t crisp in the last 5 minutes, move the pan to the upper rack and broil until the bacon reaches your desired crispness.
Remove the chicken from the oven, transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with chopped parsley. Let the chicken rest while you prepare the sauce.
For the Sauce:
Set the sheet pan over two burners and heat until the drippings sizzle. Add a splash of chicken stock or white wine and scrape up the browned bits with a spatula or spoon.
In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then slowly add the pan drippings and the remaining chicken stock or wine. Continue stirring and cooking for another 2 minutes, until slightly thickened. Transfer the sauce to a serving dish to spoon over the chicken breasts.
Video
Notes
Cutting the pocket: For easier slicing, place the chicken in the freezer for 15–20 minutes to firm up. Set it on a double layer of paper towels to keep it from slipping while you cut.Cheese options: Provolone works beautifully, but any good melting cheese like Gouda, Asiago, Mozzarella, Gruyère, or Fontina can be used. Shredded or cubed cheese can be layered into the pocket.Sun-dried tomatoes: We use oil-packed. If using dry packed tomatoes, rehydrate them in warm water first.Bacon wrap: Use enough slices to fully cover each chicken breast (large breasts may need 2–3 strips).
Baking times:
Large chicken breasts (about 12 oz each): Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.
Smaller chicken breasts (4–6 oz each): Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, then broil for 3–4 minutes to crisp the bacon.