Baked Chicken with Cheese, Bacon, and Peppers
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 slices of bacon
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
– 2 green peppers, sliced
– 1/2 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the Chicken:**
– Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
– Season the chicken breasts inside and out with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
3. **Stuff the Chicken:**
– Place two slices of bacon inside each chicken breast.
– Add a generous amount of shredded cheese and some slices of green pepper inside each breast.
– Secure the chicken breasts with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling inside.
4. **Bake the Chicken:**
– Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
– Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
– Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. **Garnish:**
– Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
– Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley for garnish.
6. **Serve:**
– Serve the chicken hot, with your favorite side dishes.
Enjoy your delicious baked chicken with cheese, bacon, and peppers!
