Hasselback chicken is a delicious and visually stunning dish that takes the humble chicken breast to a whole new level. By making small slices along the chicken and stuffing them with flavorful ingredients like spinach, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, you can create a dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also beautifully presented. This recipe is perfect for those who want to impress guests or simply enjoy a hearty, comforting meal on a weeknight. The combination of savory bacon, creamy cheese, and the freshness of spinach makes each bite a burst of flavor. If you’re looking to elevate your chicken game, this Hasselback chicken stuffed with spinach, bacon, and cheese is an ideal choice!

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to make this delicious dish, share some tips to ensure it turns out perfectly, and provide suggestions for ingredient swaps to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe is easy to follow, and the results will leave you satisfied. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a meal that will wow both your taste buds and anyone at your dinner table.

Ingredients:

To prepare Hasselback chicken stuffed with spinach, bacon, and cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients. These are simple yet flavorful items that come together beautifully to create a dish that’s both savory and satisfying.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 strips of bacon (cooked until crispy and chopped)
1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or thyme)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)

Preparation:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make deep cuts into each chicken breast, about 1-inch apart. Make sure not to cut all the way through; leave the bottom intact so that the chicken holds together. This will create small pockets where the stuffing will go.
Prepare the Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crispy bacon, mozzarella cheese, and cream cheese. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until the ingredients are evenly distributed and well combined.
Stuff the Chicken: Carefully stuff each cut in the chicken with the spinach and bacon mixture. Be generous with the stuffing to ensure each bite is packed with flavor. If there is any extra stuffing, you can place it on top of the chicken breasts.
Season the Chicken: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts, and then season them with a little more salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) for added flavor.
Bake: Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. You can check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken.
Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Serve with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

Mistakes to Avoid:

Overstuffing the Chicken: While it’s tempting to pack as much filling into the chicken as possible, overstuffing can cause the stuffing to spill out during cooking. It’s important to leave enough room in each cut so the stuffing stays in place while cooking.
Cutting the Chicken Too Deep: When making the cuts in the chicken breasts, be careful not to cut all the way through. The chicken needs to stay intact at the bottom to hold the stuffing properly. If you cut too deep, the stuffing could leak out during cooking.
Not Cooking the Bacon First: Raw bacon will not cook properly inside the chicken. Always make sure to cook the bacon until crispy before adding it to the stuffing. This ensures it gets crispy and provides the right texture and flavor.
Using Too Much Cream Cheese: While cream cheese adds creaminess, too much of it can make the stuffing greasy and heavy. Stick to the recommended amount for the best balance of flavor and texture.
Not Checking Chicken Temperature: It’s crucial to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked. If you skip this step, you risk serving undercooked chicken, which can be unsafe. A meat thermometer is a useful tool for this

Ingredient Alternatives:

While the original recipe calls for spinach, bacon, and mozzarella cheese, there are many ways you can customize this dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few alternatives you can try:

Spinach Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of spinach, or if you want to try something different, you can use other leafy greens such as kale, arugula, or Swiss chard. These options will provide a different flavor profile but will still pair well with the bacon and cheese. For a lighter option, try using fresh basil or parsley.
Bacon Alternatives: If you’re vegetarian or want to reduce the amount of meat in the dish, there are several great substitutes for bacon. You can use turkey bacon, which offers a leaner alternative, or opt for plant-based bacon made from soy or coconut. For a different texture, try using sautéed mushrooms for a savory, umami-filled stuffing.
Cheese Alternatives: While mozzarella gives a nice melty texture, other cheeses work just as well in this recipe. Consider using cheddar for a sharper flavor, gouda for a smoky taste, or a combination of different cheeses like provolone and Parmesan for a rich and complex flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat cream cheese or even ricotta could work as a substitute.
Cream Cheese Alternatives: If you’re looking to make the stuffing a bit lighter, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. These will still provide creaminess but with fewer calories. For a dairy-free version, opt for vegan cream cheese or cashew-based cheese.
Olive Oil Alternatives: Olive oil can be replaced with melted butter for a richer flavor, or avocado oil for a more neutral taste. If you prefer to keep the recipe light, coconut oil can be a great option.

Tips and Tricks:

Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting into the chicken breasts, use a very sharp knife. A dull knife can make it more difficult to make precise cuts, which could result in uneven stuffing or difficulty stuffing the chicken.
Rest the Chicken After Baking: After baking the chicken, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy, tender bite. It also helps keep the stuffing intact.
Add a Crunch: For a bit of texture, you can add crushed breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs on top of the chicken breasts before baking. The breadcrumbs will become crispy as they cook, adding an extra crunch that contrasts with the creamy stuffing.
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season your chicken well. The stuffing has lots of flavor, but the chicken itself needs seasoning to complement the filling. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika for a smoky finish. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also work well for added fragrance.
Make Extra Filling: If you have leftover stuffing, you can use it as a topping for roasted vegetables, mix it into pasta, or even spread it on bread to make a flavorful sandwich.
Cook the Chicken on a Wire Rack: For an even cooking process, place the stuffed chicken breasts on a wire rack in the baking dish. This allows heat to circulate around the chicken, ensuring that it cooks more evenly and the stuffing stays in place.

Suggestions:

Serve with a Side Salad: This Hasselback chicken is rich and flavorful, so pairing it with a light side salad can help balance the meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing will complement the savory stuffing and provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Pair with Roasted Vegetables: If you’re looking for a heartier side dish, try serving the chicken with roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers. Roasting the vegetables at the same time as the chicken in the oven will make meal preparation easy, and the caramelized vegetables will add a delicious sweetness to your plate.
Add a Sauce: For those who love extra sauce, a creamy garlic sauce or a tangy tomato-based sauce would pair wonderfully with this dish. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or pesto can also elevate the flavors and add an extra burst of freshness.
Make it a Family Meal: This recipe can easily be adapted to serve more people by using larger cuts of chicken or preparing a stuffed chicken casserole. Simply spread the stuffing over the chicken breasts in a baking dish, and bake until the chicken is fully cooked. This is a great way to prepare this meal for a crowd.
Make it Low-Carb: For those following a low-carb or keto diet, pair the Hasselback chicken with cauliflower rice or a side of sautéed greens instead of starchy side dishes. This will keep your meal light but still deliciously satisfying.
Meal Prep for the Week: This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can prepare and stuff the chicken breasts in advance, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. This saves time on busy nights and ensures you have a healthy, home-cooked meal ready to go.

FAQ:

Can I use boneless, skinless thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They are juicier and more flavorful than breasts, and the dark meat complements the stuffing very well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a little longer to cook than breasts.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can stuff the chicken breasts ahead of time, cover them, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a perfect dish for meal prep or if you have a busy schedule.
Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts. Once they’re stuffed, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store them in a freezer-safe container. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, then follow the cooking instructions. Note that the texture of the stuffing may change slightly after freezing.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, and it should read 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also check that the juices run clear when you cut into the chicken.
Can I make this recipe without cheese? Yes! If you’re avoiding dairy or simply don’t like cheese, you can omit the cheese entirely or substitute with dairy-free cheese options. The recipe will still be delicious with the bacon and spinach providing plenty of flavor.
What sides would go well with this recipe? This chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, including mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, a fresh garden salad, or sautéed green beans. You can also serve it with a creamy risotto for a more indulgent meal.

Conclusion:

Delicious Hasselback Chicken Stuffed with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or simply want a hearty meal for your family, this recipe delivers both taste and presentation. The combination of tender chicken, savory bacon, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach creates a balanced, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

This dish can be easily customized to suit different dietary preferences, and with the added tips and suggestions, you can make it your own. From pairing with a light salad to making it keto-friendly, the possibilities are endless. Plus, the fact that it can be prepped ahead of time or even frozen for later makes it incredibly convenient for busy days.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward to follow and guarantees a delicious outcome every time. The steps are simple, and the ingredients are easy to find, making this a go-to meal for busy weeknights or special celebrations

Hasselback Chicken Stuffed with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese

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Author: Emilline Labrita

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Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices of bacon
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, remove from the pan and crumble it into small pieces.
In the same pan, add the chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until wilted. Remove from heat.
In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, crumbled bacon, mozzarella cheese, and softened cream cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Using a sharp knife, make deep cuts into the chicken breasts, about 3/4 of the way through, being careful not to slice all the way through. These cuts will create pockets for the filling.
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach, bacon, and cheese mixture, carefully filling the pockets you made earlier.
Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked.
Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to ensure the juices stay inside.
Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve immediately.