Savory Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Stuffed with Spinach and Ricotta 🍗🥓

This mouthwatering dish combines the rich flavors of bacon and the creamy goodness of ricotta with nutritious spinach, creating a meal that’s sure to impress. Perfect for dinner parties or a cozy family meal, this recipe is both satisfying and elegant. Pair it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that's bursting with flavor! 🥗✨

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 (10 ounce) bag of fresh spinach, washed
• 1/2 (15 ounce) container of ricotta cheese
• 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For wrapping

• 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly oil a 9x13 inch baking dish.

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it begins to brown, then stir in the spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, then transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside to cool.

🌱 Pro Tip: Feel free to use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before cooking to avoid sogginess!

• Prepare the chicken by slicing horizontally through each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through—you're aiming for a 'book' effect. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until about 1/4 inch thick.

• In the bowl with the cooled spinach, mix in the ricotta, Parmesan, garlic salt, onion powder, and Italian seasoning until blended. Divide this delicious filling evenly among the chicken breasts, spreading it flat. Roll each breast tightly like a burrito, tucking the ends in, and secure with toothpicks.

• Season the stuffed chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Next, wrap each chicken roll with 2 slices of bacon, securing them snugly.

• Place the bacon-wrapped chicken in the prepared baking dish and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through with no pink remaining.

🕒 Cooking times may vary slightly based on your oven and the size of your chicken breasts, so keep an eye on them towards the end!

• Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before taking out the toothpicks and serving. Enjoy!

Variations

• Herbaceous: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the ricotta filling for an extra burst of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the spinach mixture for a subtle heat.
• Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with other cheese types, such as feta or mozzarella, instead of ricotta for a different flavor profile.
• Air Fryer Option: Preheat your air fryer and cook the bacon-wrapped chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes for a crispy texture without turning on the oven.

This dish is not just a meal—it's an experience! Enjoy every savory bite. 🍽️❤️