🥓🍗 Bacon Stuffed Chicken Breast with Honey and Lemon Pepper 🍯🍋
History:
The history of this delectable dish is not well-documented, but it’s a mouthwatering creation that combines the savory goodness of bacon and chicken with the sweet and tangy flavors of honey and lemon pepper. It’s a contemporary dish that highlights the wonderful contrast of flavors and textures.
Components:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon strips add a smoky, salty, and savory element.
- Honey: Honey brings sweetness and helps caramelize the dish.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Lemon pepper is a zesty spice blend that combines black pepper and lemon zest for a citrusy kick.
- Olive Oil: Used for cooking and flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Chicken Breast: Start by making a pocket in each chicken breast. Carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part of the breast, being sure not to cut all the way through. Season the inside with salt and pepper.
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Stuff the Chicken: Lay strips of bacon inside the pocket you’ve created in the chicken breasts. Depending on the size of the breasts, you can use 1-2 bacon strips per breast. This will infuse the chicken with the smoky flavor of bacon.
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Secure with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to secure the chicken breasts and hold the bacon in place.
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Season and Sear: Season the outside of the chicken breasts with lemon pepper seasoning. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Drizzle honey over the top of each breast for that sweet and sticky glaze. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. The resting period ensures that the juices redistribute and keep the meat moist. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Time Needed:
The total time required to prepare Bacon Stuffed Chicken Breast with Honey and Lemon Pepper will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts and your cooking skills. On average, it should take approximately 45-60 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.
This dish is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with the sweetness of honey, the smokiness of bacon, and the zesty kick of lemon pepper seasoning all complementing the tender chicken. It’s a perfect choice for a special dinner or a unique twist on your regular chicken recipes. Enjoy! 🍽️😋
Certainly, here are the approximate nutrition facts for a serving of Bacon Stuffed Chicken Breast with Honey and Lemon Pepper, based on common ingredient quantities:
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving.
- Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, with each serving providing around 25-30 grams.
- Carbohydrates: About 5-10 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the honey and any seasoning used.
- Fat: Depending on the amount of bacon used, you can expect 15-20 grams of fat, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats.
- Dietary Fiber: Negligible dietary fiber content.
- Sugars: Most of the sugar content in this dish comes from the honey, totaling around 5-10 grams of sugar.
- Sodium: The sodium content will be influenced by the bacon and seasoning used; expect approximately 700-1000 mg of sodium.
Health Information:
- Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Fats: While this dish contains some fat, the bacon adds saturated fat, so it’s advisable to enjoy it in moderation. You can reduce the saturated fat content by using turkey bacon or trimming excess fat.
- Carbohydrates: The dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets.
- Sugars: The honey provides natural sweetness, but it’s important to be mindful of added sugars in your diet. Using honey in moderation is recommended.
- Sodium: Be cautious about the sodium content, especially if you have dietary restrictions or are watching your salt intake. You can choose low-sodium bacon or seasoning options.
Overall, this dish can be a flavorful and protein-rich addition to your diet. However, it’s important to balance it with a variety of other nutrient-rich foods and be mindful of the portion sizes to ensure a well-rounded and healthy diet.
