Oven Roasted Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Avocado and Bacon: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe
Chicken breasts are a weeknight dinner staple, but they can sometimes feel a bit…boring. If you’re looking for a way to spice things up and add a burst of flavor and healthy fats, look no further than this recipe for oven-roasted chicken breasts stuffed with avocado and bacon! This dish is incredibly easy to make, packed with protein, and delivers a satisfying combination of creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and juicy chicken. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special weekend dinner.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of creamy avocado, salty bacon, and tender chicken is simply irresistible.
* **Healthy and Satisfying:** This recipe is packed with protein and healthy fats, keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this dish comes together quickly.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different cheeses, spices, or vegetables.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The stuffed chicken breasts look elegant and impressive, making them perfect for entertaining.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* **Avocados:** 2 ripe avocados, pitted and mashed
* **Bacon:** 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
* **Cream Cheese:** 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
* **Lime Juice:** 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* **Onion Powder:** 1 teaspoon onion powder
* **Smoked Paprika:** 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, a squeeze of lime.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Cutting Board**
* **Sharp Knife**
* **Mixing Bowl**
* **Baking Dish (9×13 inch)**
* **Meat Thermometer**
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create perfectly stuffed and roasted chicken breasts.
**1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:**
* Place each chicken breast on a cutting board.
* Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a large enough pocket to hold the avocado and bacon filling.
* Gently open the pocket to create space for the filling. If the chicken breasts are thick, you can use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness. This will ensure even cooking.
**2. Make the Avocado and Bacon Filling:**
* In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mashed avocados, crumbled bacon, softened cream cheese, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
* Mix all ingredients together until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
**3. Stuff the Chicken Breasts:**
* Carefully spoon the avocado and bacon filling into the pockets of the chicken breasts.
* Distribute the filling evenly among the four chicken breasts.
* Use your fingers to gently press the filling into the pockets to ensure it’s securely in place. You may need to use a toothpick or two to secure the opening of the pocket if it’s not closing completely. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
**4. Season the Chicken Breasts:**
* Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts.
* Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and a little more garlic powder and smoked paprika.
* Rub the seasonings into the chicken breasts to ensure they are evenly coated.
**5. Bake the Chicken Breasts:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish.
* Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
**6. Rest and Serve:**
* Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
* Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
* **Cheese, Please!:** Add shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese to the avocado filling for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the avocado filling for a spicy kick.
* **Vegetable Boost:** Add diced tomatoes, red onions, or jalapenos to the avocado filling for added flavor and texture.
* **Cream Cheese Substitute:** If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead.
* **Bacon Alternatives:** Use turkey bacon or prosciutto as a substitute for regular bacon.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the avocado and bacon filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also stuff the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before baking.
* **Grilling Option:** You can also grill the stuffed chicken breasts instead of baking them. Grill over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through.
* **Add Spinach**: Mix in some chopped spinach to the avocado mixture for an extra boost of nutrients and flavor
* **Different Herbs**: Experiment with different herbs in the avocado mixture, such as dill, parsley, or chives. These can add a fresh and unique flavor profile to the dish.
* **Citrus Zest**: Adding a little lime or lemon zest to the avocado mixture brightens the flavors and adds a subtle citrus note.
## Serving Suggestions
These stuffed chicken breasts are delicious served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are all great options.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with grilled vegetables and a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Rice or Quinoa:** Serve the chicken breasts over a bed of rice or quinoa.
* **Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with chicken.
* **Cauliflower Rice:** For a low-carb option, serve the chicken breasts with cauliflower rice.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Grilled or roasted corn on the cob is a perfect summer side dish.
## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## How to Store Leftovers
* Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing them.
* Store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* Reheat the chicken breasts in the oven or microwave until heated through.
## Can you Freeze Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can freeze stuffed chicken breasts, although the texture of the avocado filling may change slightly after thawing. Here’s how to freeze them:
**Freezing:**
1. **Cool Completely:** Allow the cooked chicken breasts to cool completely before freezing. This prevents condensation and ice crystals from forming, which can affect the texture and flavor.
2. **Wrap Individually:** Wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Then, wrap them again in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer bag.
3. **Label and Date:** Label the freezer bag or foil with the date and contents, so you know when you froze them.
4. **Freeze:** Place the wrapped chicken breasts in the freezer. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
**Thawing:**
1. **Thaw in the Refrigerator:** The best way to thaw the chicken breasts is in the refrigerator overnight. This allows them to thaw slowly and evenly, preserving the texture and flavor.
2. **Quick Thaw (if needed):** If you need to thaw them quickly, you can place the wrapped chicken breasts in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. This method can take 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Ensure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking.
**Reheating:**
1. **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed chicken breasts in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last few minutes to crisp the chicken.
2. **Microwave:** Place the thawed chicken breast on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (vented). Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the chicken tough.
**Tips for Freezing and Thawing:**
* **Cooked vs. Uncooked:** It’s generally better to freeze cooked chicken breasts, as uncooked chicken can lose moisture during the freezing and thawing process.
* **Texture Changes:** Be aware that the avocado filling might become slightly softer or more watery after freezing and thawing. This is normal and shouldn’t significantly affect the taste.
* **Use Promptly:** Once thawed, use the chicken breasts promptly and do not refreeze them.
By following these steps, you can freeze and thaw your stuffed chicken breasts effectively, ensuring a convenient and delicious meal whenever you need it.
## Conclusion
This recipe for oven-roasted chicken breasts stuffed with avocado and bacon is a delicious, healthy, and easy way to elevate your weeknight dinners. The combination of creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and tender chicken is a flavor sensation that everyone will love. Give it a try and let us know what you think! And don’t forget to experiment with different variations to create your own signature stuffed chicken breast recipe.
Enjoy!