Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Pesto
Bacon wrapped chicken breasts are stuffed with fresh mozzarella and basil pesto, then browned on the stovetop and finished in the oven for juicy, tender results. A quick buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken from drying out, while the bacon adds smoky flavor and helps seal everything in. With just 10 minutes of prep and a simple stovetop-to-oven method, this easy chicken dinner works for busy weeknights but feels special enough to serve to guests.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- salt and pepper
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella
- 4 tablespoons basil pesto
- 8 slices bacon
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a ziplock bag and pour buttermilk over them. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or over night. When ready to prepare, remove chicken and rinse. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 350º.
- Carefully slice an opening into the top of the thick part of the chicken breast and cut a pocket. With your fingers, add a tablespoon of pesto to the pocket and stuff slices of cheese in the pocket. Salt the chicken breast. Wrap with two slices of bacon, tucking ends under the bacon slices. Repeat with each breast.
- Heat oven proof skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Add about 1 tablespoon olive oil to pan.
- Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side. You are trying to brown the bacon, not cook the chicken. Remove from the heat and drain most of the bacon grease. Place skillet in oven.
- Bake for about 10-20 minutes until a meat thermometer registers 165º at the thickest part. Time will vary depending on how thick the chicken is and how long they cooked on the stove.
Barbara's Notes + Tips
- If you don't have time to marinate the chicken overnight, try to let them sit in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. It should read 165º. You can also slice into the thickest part of the breast and make sure there is no pink.
- If you don't want to use toothpicks, use thinner sliced bacon.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 584kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 61g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 197mg | Sodium: 871mg | Potassium: 945mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 578IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 181mg | Iron: 1mg
