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Transform ordinary chicken breasts into a showstopping meal with this Hasselback Chicken recipe—stuffed with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and zesty jalapeños. Inspired by the Swedish potato technique, this method creates flavorful pockets that keep the chicken juicy while adding crispy edges.
My kids call this "chicken confetti" because of the colorful fillings peeking out!
What Is Hasselback Chicken?
Originally a potato technique from Stockholm’s Hasselbacken Restaurant, this method involves slicing partially through ingredients to create more surface area for flavor. For chicken:
- 6-8 shallow slits are cut into breasts (like a fan).
- Fillings nestle into each layer (cheese + bacon = magic).
- Baking crisps the edges while keeping the center moist.
Ingredients & Pro Tips
Base Recipe
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each): Pound to even thickness for even cooking.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or pepper Jack): Freeze for 10 minutes before shredding for cleaner cuts.
- 8 slices bacon (or Canadian ham): Pre-cook until slightly crispy to avoid rubbery texture.
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeños (drained): Pat dry to prevent sogginess.
Seasoning Blend
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with foil.
- Slice the chicken: Place breasts on a cutting board. Make 6–8 diagonal cuts (¼-inch apart), stopping ½ inch from the bottom. Tip: Place chopsticks on either side as a cutting guide.
- Step 2: Season & Stuff
- Rub seasoning blend over chicken, including inside cuts.
- Layer fillings: In each slit, add:
- 1 tsp cheese
- ½ slice bacon (folded)
- 1 jalapeño slice
- Pro tip: Alternate fillings (e.g., bacon + cheddar in one slit, ham + Swiss in another).
- Step 3: Bake
- Transfer to baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Bake 22–25 mins until internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).
- Broil 1–2 mins for extra crispiness (watch closely!).
- Step 4: Serve
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Pair with:
- Low-carb: Roasted Brussels sprouts or zucchini noodles.
- Hearty: Garlic mashed potatoes or wild rice pilaf.
4 Delicious Variations
- Cream Cheese & Spinach: Mix 4 oz softened cream cheese with ½ cup sautéed spinach.
- Air Fryer Version: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15 mins, spritzing with oil.
- Mediterranean: Stuff with feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives.
- Skinnytaste-Inspired: Use turkey bacon and low-fat mozzarella.
Storage & Freezing
- Fridge: Store cooked chicken up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 mins.
- Freeze raw: Assemble, freeze on a tray, then transfer to bags for 3 months. Bake from frozen (40 mins at 400°F).
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Final Thought
This Hasselback Chicken is my go-to for impressing guests without stress. The technique looks fancy but takes minutes to prep—and the crispy-cheesy layers make it impossible to resist. For a healthier twist, I’ll stuff it with herbed goat cheese and asparagus!