Get ready for a mouthwatering culinary adventure that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! These Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Roll Ups are not just a meal; they're a flavor explosion that combines the irresistible richness of melted cheddar, the smoky crispiness of bacon, and perfectly seasoned chicken. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dish at home, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that promises to tantalize every single taste bud.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare your ingredients by gathering all the necessary items: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 8 slices of bacon, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound each chicken breast to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes it easier to roll.
- Season both sides of each chicken breast with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to rub the seasonings into the meat for maximum flavor.
- Place a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese (about 1/4 cup) in the center of each chicken breast. You can adjust the amount of cheese based on your preference.
- Carefully roll up each chicken breast, starting from one end and rolling tightly to encase the cheese. Ensure the cheese is well wrapped inside the chicken.
- Take 2 slices of bacon and wrap them around each chicken roll-up, securing the ends of the bacon underneath the chicken. The bacon will add flavor and help keep the chicken moist while cooking.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken roll-ups seam-side down in a greased baking dish. This helps prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
- Once all the chicken roll-ups are in the baking dish, place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If desired, broil the roll-ups for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to crisp up the bacon. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken roll-ups rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
- Slice the roll-ups into pinwheels or serve them whole. Enjoy your Delicious Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Roll Ups with your favorite side dishes!
Tips
- Meat Preparation: Always pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and easier rolling.
- Cheese Tip: Use cold cheese when filling to prevent it from melting too quickly during the initial rolling process.
- Bacon Wrapping: Slightly overlap bacon slices and secure with toothpicks if needed to prevent unraveling during cooking.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Crispy Bacon Hack: If bacon isn't crisp enough after baking, finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Resting Time: Let the roll-ups rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare these roll-ups in advance and refrigerate, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time if going from cold.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 55g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 160mg
