Oven Roasted Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Avocado and Bacon is an elegant stuffed chicken breast recipe that brings a delightful twist to traditional chicken dishes. This recipe combines the creamy texture of avocado with the savory flavor of bacon, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Chicken breasts are a versatile ingredient that lends themselves beautifully to a variety of stuffing options. This particular recipe originated as a modern fusion of classic American comfort food with a hint of Mexican flair, thanks to the avocado. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a special occasion or just looking for a way to spice up your weeknight dinners, these chicken breasts stuffed with perfection are sure to impress.
Ingredients
To create the best oven-roasted chicken breasts stuffed with avocado and bacon, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to cook the chicken evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a deep pocket in each breast, being careful not to cut through the other side. This pocket will hold the delicious avocado and bacon stuffing.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
- Mix the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced avocados, crumbled bacon, shredded mozzarella cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to combine all ingredients while ensuring the avocado remains somewhat chunky.
- Stuff the Chicken: Using a spoon, carefully fill each chicken breast pocket with the avocado and bacon mixture. Ensure the stuffing is evenly distributed and press the edges of the chicken breast to close.
Step 3: Season and Roast the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The olive oil helps in crisping the skin and ensuring the seasoning sticks.
- Roast the Chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Tips and Variations
- Variation: For a creamier stuffing, add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to the avocado mixture.
- Substitutions: Substitute mozzarella cheese with cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Cooking Tip: Use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken if needed. Remember to remove them before serving!
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the stuffing for a spicy kick.
- Side Suggestions: Serve the chicken with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
Nutritional Information
For those conscious about nutritional content, here is a basic breakdown of the nutritional information per serving of Oven Roasted Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Avocado and Bacon:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 1g
Oven Roasted Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Avocado and Bacon is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. This easy chicken and avocado recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also leaves you feeling accomplished for creating such an elegant dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your collection of stuffed chicken breast recipes.