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Hasselback Chicken with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese (Parmesan, Mozzarella, Cream Cheese): A Flavorful and Elegant Meal
If you’re looking to take your chicken dinner to the next level, Hasselback Chicken with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese is the recipe to try! This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a mouthwatering filling of spinach, bacon, and a trio of cheeses—Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cream Cheese—to create a meal that’s savory, cheesy, and full of flavor. The best part? The Hasselback technique, where you make thin slices through the chicken, allows all those delicious fillings to melt inside, creating a visually stunning and satisfying dish.
This recipe is perfect for a special dinner, holiday gathering, or a weeknight meal when you want something extra indulgent yet easy to prepare. Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful and creamy Hasselback chicken that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love Hasselback Chicken with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese:
- Flavor-packed Filling: The combination of spinach, bacon, and three kinds of cheese—Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cream Cheese—gives the chicken a rich, savory, and creamy flavor.
- Hasselback Technique: This technique is not only visually impressive but also helps the filling melt perfectly inside the chicken, making each bite extra juicy and flavorful.
- Healthy and Satisfying: The chicken is packed with protein, while the spinach adds a healthy veggie boost, and the bacon brings that irresistible smoky flavor.
- Versatile: You can adjust the fillings based on your preference. Feel free to experiment with other veggies, cheeses, or even add some garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter)
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For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 4-5 strips)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For Topping (optional):
- Extra Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, for a cheesy crust
- Crumbled bacon (for extra crunch)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to make horizontal cuts across each chicken breast, making slices about 3/4 of the way through the chicken (don’t cut all the way through!). These slices will allow you to stuff the filling inside. Be careful not to cut all the way through the chicken, leaving the base intact.
Once your chicken breasts are sliced, season both sides with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter to help them cook evenly and stay moist in the oven.
2. Make the Filling:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, Mozzarella, Parmesan, and chopped spinach. Mix until well incorporated. You can also add garlic powder if you want a bit of extra flavor. Stir in the crumbled bacon to add that smoky, savory goodness to the filling. The filling should be thick and creamy—perfect for stuffing into the chicken.
3. Stuff the Chicken:
Carefully stuff each slice of chicken with the spinach, bacon, and cheese mixture. Don’t be shy—fill each cut generously with the creamy filling. You may need to press it in gently to ensure everything fits. Once all of the chicken is stuffed, arrange the chicken breasts on your prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Chicken:
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be fully cooked, golden brown on top, and the filling should be melted and bubbly.
If you want a crispy, cheesy topping, you can sprinkle a little more Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of each chicken breast during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will melt into a gooey, golden layer that adds an extra level of deliciousness.
