The Perfect Bacon-Cheese Stuffed Chicken: Cooking Time Guide

Bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed chicken breast is a mouth-watering dish that is surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is a sure-fire way to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a delicious meal. The chicken is stuffed with a mouth-watering combination of cheeses, garlic, and herbs, before being wrapped in bacon to prevent the meat from drying out. The cooking time for this dish is approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breast and your preferred level of crispiness for the bacon.

How to butterfly a chicken breast

Butterflying a chicken breast is a simple technique that helps the meat cook more evenly and quickly. It involves cutting the chicken breast almost—but not completely—in half, so that it opens up like a book. This method can be used for other meats, such as pork or veal, and can be followed by pounding the meat to an even thickness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Butterflying a Chicken Breast:

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area and Tools

Use a clean cutting board, preferably one reserved for raw meat. Ensure your knife is sharp; a boning knife with a flexible blade is ideal, but a chef's knife will also work. If you plan to pound the meat, have a meat mallet ready.

Step 2: Position the Chicken Breast

Place the chicken breast on the cutting board with the skin side down. If the chicken breast has skin attached, loosen and remove it first. Place one hand on the chicken breast, curving your fingers slightly for safety.

Step 3: Make the Cut

Insert your knife into the middle of the thickest part of the chicken breast and cut horizontally, almost to the other side. Be careful not to cut all the way through, as you want the two halves to remain attached.

Step 4: Open and Flatten

Open the chicken breast like a book. If desired, place the meat inside a plastic bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using the smooth side of a meat mallet, start from the centre and pound the meat to your desired thickness or as required by your recipe.

Tips:

• No special equipment is required for butterflying, but a sharp knife and a meat mallet are recommended.
• If stuffing your butterflied chicken breast, you can fill it with your choice of ingredients and then fold it in half before cooking.
• Butterflying is a great technique to ensure even cooking and to reduce the overall cooking time.

How to stop the filling from leaking out

To prevent the filling from leaking out of your bacon cheese stuffed chicken breast, there are a few steps you can take during preparation and cooking:

Firstly, ensure you are using the correct cut of chicken. Avoid fillets or tenders as these are too thin and won't hold the filling well. Regular chicken breasts are best. You should also ensure that the chicken is butterflied correctly. This means cutting the chicken breast in half without completely separating it, so that it opens up like a book. If you don't create a large enough pocket, the filling is more likely to leak out.

Secondly, avoid overstuffing the chicken breast. Only use 2-3 ounces of filling to prevent it from leaking out. You can also place the stuffed chicken breasts in the freezer for 10 minutes before cooking to firm up the filling, which will help prevent leakage.

Thirdly, when you have stuffed the chicken, use toothpicks to seal the pocket closed. You can also wrap the chicken breasts tightly in bacon to minimise leakage.

Finally, if you are cooking the chicken in an oven or skillet, consider searing or browning the chicken first to create a seal before finishing the cooking process.

How to store leftovers

To store leftovers of your bacon cheese-stuffed chicken breast, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, wrap each chicken breast in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken breasts in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to store the leftovers for longer, you can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat them, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave.

How to adapt the recipe for vegetarians

The bacon cheese stuffed chicken breast recipe can be adapted for vegetarians by substituting the chicken with plant-based alternatives. Here are some options to consider:

Tofu

Tofu is a classic vegetarian protein source that can be used as a chicken substitute. It is made of condensed soy milk and has a chewy and hearty texture, making it perfect for absorbing flavours. Look for high-protein extra-firm tofu in the refrigerated section of well-stocked grocery stores and health food stores.

Seitan

Seitan, also known as wheat gluten or wheat meat, is a common meat substitute made from vital wheat gluten. It has a chewy and stringy texture that resembles meat and is often sold in slices, cubes, or strips. Seitan is praised by many as the best meat substitute available, as it mimics the look and texture of real meat. It can be found in the flour section of well-stocked grocery stores and health food stores.

Tempeh

Tempeh is a soy product made from fermented soybeans, similar to tofu but with a grainier, nuttier texture and taste. It is flavour absorbent and can be marinated or ground up to add protein and bulk to vegetarian meals. It is available in a variety of forms in the refrigerated section of grocery and health food stores.

Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a large, green tropical fruit with a stringy texture similar to chicken, making it a popular vegan chicken substitute. It has a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a neutral flavour, so it works well with sauces or strong flavours. Canned jackfruit is the most convenient option and can be found in the canned vegetable aisle of most grocery stores.

Beans and Sprouts

Beans and sprouts are protein-rich ingredients that can be used as chicken substitutes, especially in soups and stews. They have an excellent texture and are a suitable alternative for diced chicken. Beans are often used in traditional meat-based dishes such as burgers, soups, and casseroles to create vegetarian-friendly options.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a healthy, whole-food option that can be used as a chicken substitute. It has a buttery texture and can absorb any flavour, making it perfect for battering and baking. It is readily available in the produce section of local grocery stores, as well as in frozen florets.

When adapting the recipe for vegetarians, it is important to consider the cooking times and temperatures for the chosen plant-based alternative, as they may differ from chicken. Additionally, vegetarian and vegan-friendly fillings and seasonings can be used to add flavour and ensure a delicious meal that caters to a wider range of dietary preferences.

How to adapt the recipe for a large group

To adapt the bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed chicken breast recipe for a large group, you can follow these steps and adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.

Firstly, prepare the cream cheese mixture by mixing together the cream cheese, garlic powder, shredded mozzarella, and any additional ingredients of your choice, such as chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or diced artichokes. You can make this mixture up to 3 days in advance to save time.

Next, create a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting a slit along the side with a sharp knife. You can then use a spoon to fill the chicken with the cream cheese mixture, or put the filling into a plastic bag, snip the tip, and squeeze the filling into the chicken. Make sure to wrap the chicken tightly with bacon to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

If you are serving a large group, it is advisable to use multiple baking pans to accommodate the increased number of chicken breasts. Line the pans with foil and coat them with cooking spray. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on the pans, and if desired, add some vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower. Coat the vegetables in cooking spray and season with salt and pepper.

Calculate the total cooking time based on the number of chicken breasts you are preparing. The original recipe calls for baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes, followed by broiling for 3-5 minutes to crisp the bacon. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring that the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

To store leftovers, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature, then wrap each breast in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Frequently asked questions