Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

  2 count
• Bacon

  4 slices
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese

  0.5 cup
• Olive Oil

  1 tablespoon
• Salt

  0.5 teaspoon
• Black Pepper

  0.3 teaspoon
• Garlic Powder

  0.3 teaspoon

All Steps

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. 2

   Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, crumble, and set aside. Drain most of the bacon fat from the skillet, leaving about a tablespoon.

3. 3

   Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost all the way through, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut completely through.

4. 4

   In a small bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder.

5. 5

   Spoon the bacon-cheese mixture evenly into the pocket of each chicken breast. Secure the opening with toothpicks if necessary.

6. 6

   Season the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.

7. 7

   Heat the olive oil (or remaining bacon fat) in the same oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

8. 8

   Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.

9. 9

   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

10. 10

    Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks if used.