Apple and Bacon Stuffed Chicken Breast

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts filled with sweet apple and smoky bacon, baked to golden perfection. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken breasts, smoked bacon, honeycrisp apple for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then make a horizontal pocket in each by cutting a slit down the center, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 4 ounces diced smoked bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 small minced shallot to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2 minutes, then stir in 1 medium finely diced honeycrisp apple and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, cooking for 3 minutes until apple is slightly softened.
  4. Step 4: Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the apple-bacon mixture, then season the outside with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  5. Step 5: In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium-high heat until melted. Place stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
  6. Step 6: Pour 1/4 cup chicken broth around the chicken, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting occasionally with pan juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Apple and Bacon Stuffed Chicken Breast take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Apple and Bacon Stuffed Chicken Breast?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Apple and Bacon Stuffed Chicken Breast?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Apple and Bacon Stuffed Chicken Breast for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Apple and Bacon Stuffed Chicken Breast?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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