Bacon Wrapped Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Food

GRILLED SPINACH ARTICHOKE STUFFED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Preheat your smoker or grill to 350 degrees F for indirect cooking.
• In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the spinach artichoke filling.
• In a small bowl,combine all of the ingredients for the spice seasoning. Sprinkle liberally on all sides of the chicken breasts.
• On a large cutting board, slice the chicken breasts open, without slicing all of the way through the breasts. Spoon a couple of tablepoons of the filling mixture into each breast and fold them closed.
• Wrap each chicken breast with about 3 slices of bacon. Secure the bacon ends with toothpicks, if necessary.
• Place the chicken breasts on the smoker or grill, close the lid and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. This will take about 30-45 minutes depending on the thickness of your chicken.

BACON-WRAPPED CHICKEN STUFFED WITH SPINACH AND RICOTTA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly oil a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook and stir until it begins to brown, about 30 seconds. Quickly stir in spinach, and continue cooking until the spinach has wilted. Transfer the mixture into a bowl, and set aside to cool.
• Slice through the chicken breast horizontally to within 1/2 inch of one long edge, then open the meat like a book. Place each opened chicken breast in between two pieces of plastic wrap, and pound with a meat mallet to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
• Stir the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and onion powder into the cooked spinach until blended. Evenly divide this mixture among the chicken breasts, then roll each into an oblong shape, like a burrito, tucking in the ends. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Wrap each breast with 2 strips of bacon, and secure with toothpicks. Place into the prepared pan.
• Bake in preheated oven until the bacon is brown and crispy, and the chicken is no longer pink, 45 to 60 minutes. Remove from oven, and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before removing toothpicks and serving.