Bacon Wrapped Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Bacon Wrapped Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breasts: A Weeknight Winner

As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and delicious – a trifecta that can be challenging to achieve. That’s why I’ve become a master of streamlining recipes, focusing on dishes that maximize flavor while minimizing prep time. This Bacon Wrapped Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a perfect example. It's elegant enough for a dinner party, but simple enough for a Tuesday night meal.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your preferences and what you have on hand. I often omit the bacon for a lighter option, especially during the warmer months. And while the recipe calls for cherry tomatoes, any roasted vegetables would complement the chicken beautifully. The creamy Boursin cheese provides a rich and savory counterpoint to the chicken's delicate flavor, making it a truly satisfying meal. The best part? It's almost entirely hands-off once it’s in the oven, giving me precious time to attend to other tasks, like homework help or catching up on emails.

Beyond the Recipe: A Weeknight Ritual

For me, dinner isn't just about sustenance; it's about connection. It's the time when my family gathers around the table, sharing stories and laughter. I find that even a simple meal becomes more special when shared with loved ones. That's why I prioritize recipes that are both delicious and manageable, so that I can fully engage with my family during this important time. This chicken recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s a conversation starter, yet requires minimal fuss. The aroma fills the house while it roasts, creating a sense of anticipation and warmth, a lovely lead-in to a shared meal.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Boursin cheese for a little kick. • Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano. • Cheese variations: Goat cheese or cream cheese are excellent substitutes for Boursin. • Make it ahead: The chicken can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Freezing for Future Meals:

One of my favorite time-saving tricks is to prepare extra portions and freeze them for future use. This recipe freezes beautifully – simply wrap the stuffed and bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in cling film before freezing. Then, simply thaw and bake when you're ready for a quick and easy dinner.

I truly hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine. It’s the kind of dish that’s both impressive and effortless, perfect for busy weeknights or even a relaxed weekend supper. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• 1/2 lemon juiced

• Salt

• Fresh ground black pepper

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 100 grams Boursin cheese or local garlic & herb spreadable

• 6 smoked streaky bacon or 2-4 slices pancetta slices

• 10 cherry tomatoes on the vine (up to 12)

Step-by-step

• Pre-heat the oven to 375 F.
• Lightly oil an oven proof dish with the teaspoon of olive oil - using a pastry brush is best.
• Place one chicken breast between a large piece of cling film and gently beat it with a cook's mallet - beating until large and fairly thin - try NOT make any holes in the chicken! Repeat with the second chicken breast.
• Place the chicken breasts on to a work board and spread half the Boursin cheese on each chicken piece - make sure it is spread evenly right up to the edges.
• Roll the chicken breasts up - tucking the last small "fillet" flap up and into the stuffed roll.
• Wrap the bacon pieces or pancetta ham around the stuffed chicken, making sure they do not overlap too much and the edges are sealed underneath.
• Gently lift them into the oiled oven dish.
• Season well with freshly ground black pepper. (Season with salt to taste - the bacon will make it quite salty, so watch out when seasoning with salt.)
• If using the lemon juice, pour over the top of the chicken breasts now.
• Scatter or arrange the cherry tomatoes around the chicken pieces.
• Place in the middle of a pre-heated oven and roast for between 45 - 60 minutes; depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
• Serve with a selection of vegetables and a jacket potato, making sure you spoon the excess Boursin sauce over the top of the chicken pieces and the roasted cherry tomatoes!
• TO FREEZE:
• As soon as you have stuffed and wrapped the bacon around the beaten chicken breasts, wrap individually in cling film and put into a freezer container or a freezer bag. Take them out as required and allow to defrost for 4-5 hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
• Cook as above.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months with no adverse effects on the Boursin cheese.