Looking for a tasty twist on traditional chicken?
Look no further than this Hasselback Chicken with Bacon and Cheddar recipe. With its savory bacon, cheddar cheese, and perfectly cooked chicken breasts, this dish is both satisfying and indulgent.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual get-together with friends, this recipe is sure to impress with its simple yet irresistible combination of ingredients.
What’s to Love about This Hasselback Chicken with Bacon?
Savory and Satisfying: Each succulent bite of Hasselback Chicken with Bacon and Cheddar bursts with a harmonious blend of flavors, as tender chicken breasts are stuffed with crispy bacon and gooey cheddar cheese.
Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customizable to suit individual preferences, this recipe allows you to play with different cheese varieties, bacon seasonings, or even incorporate additional ingredients like spinach or mushrooms for a personalized twist on this classic dish.
Simple Yet Elegant: With just a handful of pantry staples and straightforward instructions, this recipe delivers gourmet-style results without the hassle, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Ingredient Notes, Tips, and Alternatives
- Chicken Breast Selection: Opt for chicken breasts that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. If your chicken breasts are thicker, consider pounding them to an even thickness for consistent results.
- Bacon Options: Experiment with different types of bacon for varied flavor profiles. Turkey bacon or smoked bacon can be used as alternatives to traditional pork bacon.
- Cheese Varieties: Feel free to customize the recipe by using your favorite cheese blend. Gouda, Swiss, or Monterey Jack cheese can be delicious alternatives to cheddar.
- Enhancing Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a hint of smokiness, or sprinkle some dried herbs like oregano or rosemary for added depth of flavor.
- Cooking Method: While baking is the preferred method for this recipe, you can also grill the chicken breasts for a smokier flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Thyme Substitutions: If you don’t have dried thyme on hand, you can use other dried herbs such as oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning as substitutes.
- Marinating Option: For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
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Hasselback Chicken with Bacon and Cheddar
Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese, then baked to perfection for a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to satisfy.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and make several evenly spaced cuts across the top of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Stuff each cut of chicken with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme.
- Brush the seasoned oil mixture over the tops of the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
