Creamy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings:

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 2 bunches green onions, chopped
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded 1/4 inch thick
• 2 (16 ounce) packages sliced bacon

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Set a wire rack into a baking dish.
2. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese and chopped green onions until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Spread about 1/4 cup of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
4. Starting at the narrow end of each chicken breast, carefully roll them up over the cream cheese filling.
5. Wrap each chicken roll with 4 slices of bacon, ensuring the bacon covers the entire surface.
6. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken on the wire rack in the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the bacon is browned and crispy. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should read at least 165F (74C) when done.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 674
• Total Fat: 49g (63% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 24g (120% DV)
• Cholesterol: 198mg (66% DV)
• Sodium: 1434mg (62% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 8g (3% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% DV)
• Total Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 48g (97% DV)
• Vitamin C: 14mg (16% DV)
• Calcium: 130mg (10% DV)
• Iron: 3mg (19% DV)
• Potassium: 725mg (15% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

Chicken breasts are rolled around a cream cheese filling and wrapped in bacon for a rich and savory main dish.

History of Creamy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken

The origins of bacon-wrapped chicken dishes are not easily traced to a single region or time period, as variations of bacon-wrapped meats have existed for centuries. Bacon, a staple of many culinary traditions, has been paired with poultry in various cultures for its rich, smoky flavor and its ability to enhance the moistness of lean meats. However, the specific combination of cream cheese and bacon-wrapped chicken has become increasingly popular in American home kitchens in recent decades, thanks to its ease of preparation and indulgent taste. It represents a modern take on comfort food, offering a fusion of creamy, savory flavors and crispy textures.

Regional Variations

While the core idea of wrapping chicken in bacon is widespread, variations can be found based on regional preferences. In the American South, for example, adding a touch of BBQ sauce or seasoning with paprika and cayenne pepper gives the dish a spicier, smokier flair. In other parts of the U.S., variations may include the addition of herbs such as thyme or rosemary, reflecting regional herbal preferences. Some might even experiment with filling the chicken with other ingredients, like spinach, mushrooms, or even jalapeos for added flavor complexity.

What Sets This Dish Apart

The creamy bacon-wrapped chicken stands out from other similar dishes due to the use of a rich cream cheese filling. This gives the dish a creamy interior, which contrasts beautifully with the crispy bacon exterior. Compared to other bacon-wrapped poultry dishes, which often rely on simple seasonings or marinades, the cream cheese filling provides a distinct, indulgent texture and flavor profile. The use of green onions adds a fresh, mild sharpness that balances the richness of the bacon and cheese, setting this dish apart from simpler bacon-wrapped chicken recipes.

Where is it Typically Served?

This creamy bacon-wrapped chicken is often served at casual gatherings and festive occasions. Its perfect for family dinners, special occasions like Thanksgiving (as an alternative to turkey), or any gathering that calls for hearty, satisfying comfort food. It is also a popular choice for dinner parties, where the visual appeal of the bacon-wrapped chicken combined with the savory aroma makes it a showstopper. Served alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, it is a versatile dish that can cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.

Interesting Facts

• Bacon-wrapped chicken is a popular trend on food blogs and social media, with home cooks experimenting with different fillings like cheese, spinach, or even fruit for a sweet-savory combination.
• The combination of bacon and cream cheese is known for its rich flavor, often described as a "flavor bomb" due to the contrast between the smoky, salty bacon and the creamy, mild cheese.
• Despite its rich composition, bacon-wrapped chicken can be made healthier by using turkey bacon or reducing the amount of cream cheese used in the filling.
• Some variations of this dish have become a go-to for those looking for low-carb or keto-friendly meal options, given the high protein and fat content in the dish.

FAQ about Creamy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Recipe

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