Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken

This Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken recipe is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for dinner. Stuffed with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melty cheese, and topped with a tangy honey mustard sauce, this dish is sure to impress. The stuffed chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and baked with a creamy sauce for a rich, savory meal. Whether you’re looking for an easy chicken dinner idea or a delicious dish for special occasions, this bacon and mushroom stuffed chicken will become a family favorite. Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

For the Stuffed Chicken:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 8 oz bacon
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 8 oz cheese, grated (choose your favorite cheese)
• 1 tsp oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp sour cream
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 1 ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard
• ⅛ tsp paprika

Instructions:

Quick Prep:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) at step 7.

How to Make Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken:

1. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Mix well until fully incorporated and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces. In a large skillet, sauté the bacon over medium heat until crispy, stirring frequently for even cooking. Once cooked, remove the bacon and set aside.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms: Reserve about 1 tsp of the bacon grease and drain the rest. Add the mushrooms to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Sauté them over medium heat until browned, lightly season with salt and pepper, then remove from the skillet and set aside to cool.
4. Prepare the Chicken: Carefully cut a pocket into the center of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
5. Stuff the Chicken: Open up the chicken breasts and stuff each with a layer of grated cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and crispy bacon. Gently secure the pocket with a toothpick to keep the filling inside.
6. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tsp of oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F), adjusting time depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
7. Finish and Bake: Top the chicken with the remaining bacon, mushrooms, and cheese. Drizzle the honey mustard sauce over the top. Cover the skillet with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.

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Tips:

• Cooking Chicken Evenly: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness before stuffing for more consistent cooking.
• Toothpicks: Make sure to remove the toothpicks before serving, as they are just for securing the stuffing during cooking.
• Cheese Choice: For a creamy texture, try using mozzarella or for a tangy kick, go with sharp cheddar.
• Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace bacon with sautéed spinach, kale, or zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Different Sauces: Swap the honey mustard sauce for a creamy Alfredo or ranch dressing for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure the mayo and sour cream in the sauce are gluten-free, and choose a gluten-free cheese if necessary.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken up to the point of baking, then refrigerate until ready to bake. Just bake it as instructed when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of on the stove?
A: Yes, you can bake the stuffed chicken in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Q: What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
A: Grated cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar, works best for this stuffed chicken recipe.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a Side Salad: Pair this rich and savory chicken with a simple arugula or mixed green salad for a fresh contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes would make a great side dish to complement the stuffed chicken.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls to mop up the honey mustard sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Flavor Explosion: This stuffed chicken is packed with savory bacon, earthy mushrooms, and creamy cheese, all tied together with a tangy honey mustard sauce.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its delicious complexity, this recipe is simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight or for a special occasion.
• Versatile: You can adjust the stuffing to suit your tastes, from swapping out the cheese to experimenting with different sauces.
• Comfort Food: This dish hits all the right notes for comfort food lovers—crispy, cheesy, and satisfying!