Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast

Try this quick and easy bacon-wrapped pesto-stuffed chicken breast. Full of flavor and simple ingredients, it's perfect for all seasons!

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 40

Course: lunch & dinner meals

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bacon wrapped chicken, chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, pesto stuffed chicken, stuffed chicken, stuffed chicken breast recipe

Servings:

Calories: 548kcal

Cost: 15

6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (pounded flat; optionally brined ahead of time)
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
6 tablespoons basil pesto prepared
6 tablespoons goat cheese or Boursin cheese
6-12 slices bacon

Preheat oven or smoker to 375 C
Pound each chicken breast half flat to an even thickness. Optionally, brine the chicken breasts ahead of time for added flavor and juiciness.
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally into the thickest part of the chicken breast, creating a pocket. Be sure not to cut all the way through to the other side.

Season both sides of the flattened chicken breasts with salt and ground black pepper.

Open up the pocket gently with your fingers to create space for stuffing.
Spread about 1 tablespoon of basil pesto evenly over each chicken breast. Place a portion of goat or Boursin cheese on one end of each chicken breast.

Fold the pocket of the chicken breast closed.
Wrap each chicken breast with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if needed. Lay the rolled chicken breast into a 9x9-inch baking dish.

Oven Method: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wrapped chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
Grilling Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the bacon-wrapped chicken rolls for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.

Once cooked, remove toothpicks if used, and slice the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts.
Serve and Enjoy!

Deb's Tips and Tricks

Secure bacon with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during cooking.
The best way to tell if the chicken breast is fully cooked is to insert a digital instant-read meat thermometer into the breast at its thickest area. If the meat reads a temperature of 165 F, then it is fully cooked.
Customize stuffing with different cheese or additional herbs for variety.
Experiment with different cooking methods, such as baking or grilling, to suit your preference. We love these done on a smoker!

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!