Grilled Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken ends the era of dry, uninspiring chicken. Tender boneless chicken thighs are pounded thin, spread with a creamy mixture of cream cheese and shredded mozzarella, seasoned with everything bagel seasoning, rolled, then wrapped in thin bacon for a juicy, flavorful main dish.
Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken
- Boneless chicken thighs (6–7) — thighs stay juicier, but boneless breasts work too.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces), softened
- Shredded mozzarella (1 cup)
- Everything bagel seasoning (1/4 cup) — a mix of garlic, onion, sesame seeds, poppy seeds and salt
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Thin-sliced bacon (about 12 slices)
- Sweet garlic and onion rub (3 tablespoons) — a blend of brown sugar, garlic, onion, rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and dry mustard (omit brown sugar to make the recipe keto friendly)
How to Grill Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken
- Preheat your grill to around 325°F and set up for indirect cooking. Use pecan or hickory wood for a mild smoky flavor.
- Pound each chicken thigh to about 1/4 inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese with shredded mozzarella, everything bagel seasoning and kosher salt. Mix until evenly blended.
- Spread the cheese mixture over each flattened piece of chicken.
- Roll the chicken tightly from the short side and place the rolls seam-side down on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Wrap each roll with 1–2 slices of thin bacon, securing if needed.
- Sprinkle the garlic and onion rub over the bacon-wrapped rolls to add a sweet-savory crust.
- Place the chicken on the grill over indirect heat, close the lid, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 30–45 minutes depending on size. Rotate as needed for even cooking.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- Slice into 1/2-inch pieces and serve immediately.
Make it Keto
- Omit the brown sugar in the garlic and onion rub to keep this recipe low-carb and keto-friendly.
How to Store and Reheat
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm sliced chicken in a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat. Flip after 2 minutes and continue until heated through to preserve texture and bacon crispness.
Tips and Variations
- Use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Swap the everything bagel seasoning for your favorite herb blend or add chopped fresh herbs to the cheese mixture for brightness.
- For extra crispness, finish the rolls over direct heat for a short time, watching carefully so the bacon doesn’t burn.
Recipe Details
- Prep time: 10 mins
- Cook time: 40 mins
- Total time: 50 mins
- Servings: 6
- Calories (per serving): 439 kcal
- Author: Milisa
Ingredients
- 6–7 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup everything bagel seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 slices thin bacon
- 3 tablespoons sweet garlic and onion rub (omit brown sugar for keto)
Instructions
- Prepare a grill to 325°F and add pecan or hickory for smoke if desired.
- Pound the chicken to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Combine cream cheese, mozzarella, everything bagel seasoning and kosher salt in a bowl.
- Spread the cheese mixture over each chicken piece.
- Roll from the short side and place seam-side down on a rimmed sheet.
- Wrap each roll with 1–2 slices of bacon.
- Sprinkle garlic and onion rub over the rolls.
- Grill over indirect heat with the lid closed until internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 30–45 minutes).
- Remove from the grill and rest 5 minutes, then slice into 1/2-inch pieces and serve.
Notes
Skipping the brown sugar in the rub keeps this dish keto-friendly. Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days and reheat gently in a skillet to retain flavor and texture.
This bacon-wrapped, cream cheese-stuffed chicken is an easy, crowd-pleasing option for weeknights and gatherings. The combination of creamy cheese, savory seasoning and smoky bacon delivers a satisfying, juicy result every time.