1. Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prep Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Make the Stuffing
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
3. Stuff and Wrap the Chicken
- Stuff Chicken: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto the center of each chicken breast.
- Roll and Wrap: Roll up the chicken breasts tightly and secure them with toothpicks if needed. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2-3 slices of bacon, overlapping slightly to cover the entire surface. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if necessary.
4. Prepare the Broccoli
- Season Broccoli: In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spread the broccoli out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Bake
- Arrange Chicken and Broccoli: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a separate baking sheet or in a baking dish. Arrange the seasoned broccoli on the same baking sheet or dish if there’s room, or use a second sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy. The broccoli should be tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Serve
- Rest Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed bacon-wrapped chicken breasts with the roasted broccoli. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for Success
- Pounding Chicken: Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly pounded for uniform cooking and easy rolling.
- Bacon Crispiness: For extra crispy bacon, place the chicken under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
Variations
- Cheese Variations: Swap the mozzarella and Parmesan for other cheeses like cheddar or gouda.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the stuffing for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the stuffing or seasoning for a spicy twist.
Conclusion
This Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast with Broccoli is a delectable and satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. The combination of creamy cheese filling, crispy bacon, and perfectly roasted broccoli makes for a well-rounded and delicious dish. Enjoy this hearty meal for any occasion, and savor the rich flavors and textures in every bite. Happy cooking!