Save to Pinterest Imagine slicing into a perfectly baked chicken breast to discover a luscious filling of creamy spinach, crispy bacon bits, and melted cheese oozing out. This Keto Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Chicken with Garlic Butter is a feast for the senses—juicy chicken enveloping a savory filling, all enhanced with aromatic garlic butter that infuses every bite with richness. It's a restaurant-worthy dish that comes together easily in your own kitchen, perfect for those nights when you want something special without the carbs.
Save to Pinterest There's something magical about the transformation that happens when simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony. The cream cheese melts into the spinach, the bacon adds smoky crunch, and the garlic butter forms a golden coating that keeps the chicken moist while adding incredible flavor. This dish combines the comfort of home cooking with the elegance of a special occasion meal—all while keeping carbs to a minimum.
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 120 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 60 g (2 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 60 g (2 oz) cooked bacon, chopped (about 4 slices)
- 90 g (3 oz) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
- Make the filling
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, chopped bacon, spinach, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until creamy and evenly combined.
- Prepare the chicken
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket horizontally into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.
- Stuff the chicken
- Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and bacon mixture, dividing it evenly. Secure openings with toothpicks if needed.
- Arrange in baking dish
- Place stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Make garlic butter
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Apply first butter coating
- Brush half of the garlic butter over the chicken breasts.
- Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is bubbly (internal temperature should reach 74°C/165°F).
- Finish and serve
- Remove from oven, baste with remaining garlic butter, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the perfect stuffed chicken, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to create a smooth filling. When cutting the pocket in the chicken breast, place your hand flat on top of the breast and insert the knife at the thickest part, moving it back and forth carefully to create a deep pocket without cutting through. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes before stuffing.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This versatile recipe can be adapted in many ways while keeping it keto-friendly. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the filling for a Mediterranean twist. Replace the bacon with prosciutto for an elegant variation, or add some finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick. For herb lovers, incorporate fresh basil or thyme into both the filling and the garlic butter. If you're dairy-sensitive, substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these stuffed chicken breasts with simple roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini to keep the meal low-carb. A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette makes a perfect light side that balances the richness of the dish. For a beautiful presentation, slice the chicken on the diagonal to show off the colorful filling and arrange on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of the remaining garlic butter sauce.
Save to Pinterest This Keto Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Chicken with Garlic Butter brings together simple ingredients to create an impressive meal that feels indulgent while keeping carbs in check. The contrast between the tender chicken, creamy filling, and aromatic garlic butter creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're following a keto lifestyle or simply looking for a delicious protein-centered dish, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I prepare the chicken breasts for stuffing?
Carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each boneless chicken breast without slicing all the way through to hold the filling securely.
- → Can I use different cheeses in the filling?
Yes, mozzarella can be swapped with cheddar or Gruyère for a unique flavor twist.
- → Is it necessary to use fresh spinach?
Fresh spinach adds vibrant taste and texture, but finely chopped thawed frozen spinach can be used if well drained.
- → What is the best way to ensure the chicken remains juicy?
Brushing the chicken with garlic butter before and after baking helps retain moisture and adds rich flavor.
- → Can I add more heat to the filling?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling provides a subtle spicy kick without overpowering.