Juicy Chicken Breast Stuffed with Crispy Bacon and Melty Cheese

If there’s one dinner that never fails to impress, it’s a perfectly cooked stuffed chicken breast. This Juicy Chicken Breast Stuffed with Crispy Bacon and Melty Cheese combines smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and tender oven-baked chicken into one irresistible main dish. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.

As the author behind Chef Maniac, I’m always chasing bold flavors without complicated techniques—and this recipe delivers both. Crispy bacon folded into a creamy mozzarella-cheddar filling creates the ultimate savory center. Once you slice into it and that melty cheese starts to ooze? Absolute magic.

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Why I Love This Recipe

There are a lot of stuffed chicken recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few reasons:

• Big flavor payoff with minimal ingredients
• Perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and savory
• Golden sear + oven finish for juicy, tender results
• Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses

It reminds me of comfort food classics like This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast—rich, satisfying, and guaranteed to win over everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Ingredient Swaps & Notes

• Cheese options: Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or provolone. Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick.
• Bacon alternative: Turkey bacon works if you prefer something lighter.
• Add veggies: Finely chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms mix beautifully into the filling.
• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket horizontally into each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through.

3. Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• Crumbled bacon
• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Cream cheese

Mix until well blended and creamy.

4. Stuff the Chicken

Divide the filling evenly among the four chicken breasts. Secure with toothpicks if needed to prevent the filling from spilling out.

5. Season

Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over both sides of the chicken.

6. Sear for Flavor

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.

7. Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

8. Rest and Serve

Remove toothpicks and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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Tips for Success

• Use evenly sized chicken breasts so they cook uniformly.
• Don’t overstuff—too much filling can leak during cooking.
• Always sear first for a flavorful golden crust.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This stuffed chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted broccoli or green beans
• A crisp Caesar salad

For drinks, try serving it with This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days for a bright, refreshing contrast.

Hosting guests? Start dinner with This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests for an elegant touch.

For a full comfort-food spread, you could even pair it with These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners at your next gathering.

And of course, don’t skip dessert—The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made a Lot) are a decadent way to finish the meal.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

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Storage & Leftover Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a 325°F oven until heated through to keep the chicken juicy. Microwave works, but oven reheating preserves texture best.

Leftovers slice beautifully and make an amazing protein boost for salads or wraps the next day.

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More Recipes You’ll Love

If this cheesy stuffed chicken hit the spot, try:

• These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
• This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
• This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests
• The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made a Lot)
• This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days

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Final Thoughts

This Juicy Chicken Breast Stuffed with Crispy Bacon and Melty Cheese is everything I want in a dinner recipe—comforting, flavorful, and just impressive enough to feel special without being complicated.

If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment, share your twists on the filling, and don’t forget to follow along on Chef Maniac for more crave-worthy comfort food recipes.

– Jason Griffith
ChefManiac.com