Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken with Spinach and Cheese

This Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken combines tender chicken breasts filled with a savory mix of spinach, sunblush tomatoes, olives, and cheese, all wrapped in crispy bacon. The dish offers a delightful balance of flavors, with the richness of cheese and bacon complementing the freshness of spinach and the tanginess of sunblush tomatoes. Perfect for a dinner that’s both comforting and a bit adventurous!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breast fillets
• 4 slices of bacon
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup cheese (feta or mozzarella), crumbled or shredded
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olives, chopped (green or black)
• 1/4 cup sunblush tomatoes, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley), for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in the chopped sunblush tomatoes and olives, and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a bowl, combine the spinach mixture with the cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
6. Place a portion of the spinach and cheese mixture in the center of each chicken breast. Fold the chicken over to enclose the filling.
7. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
8. Place the wrapped chicken breasts in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
9. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.