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Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Pesto

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Pesto features juicy, bone-in chicken thighs seasoned with savory spices, tucked with basil pesto and a touch of mozzarella, then wrapped in smoky bacon. As it bakes, the bacon renders and bastes the meat, yielding tender chicken with herby richness and melty cheese. Ideal for a cozy dinner for two when you want something satisfying yet elegant.

  • Prep10 mins
  • Cook1 hr
  • Serves2
  • DifficultyEasy
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Pesto
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray.

  2. 2

    Combine onion powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and pepper in a bowl.

  3. 3

    Sprinkle the onion powder mixture over both sides of the chicken thighs. Lift the skin to form a pocket; fill the pocket with 2 tablespoons of pesto and 1 tablespoon of mozzarella cheese. Wrap the chicken with 2 slices of bacon, using the bacon to seal the pocket. Set the chicken thighs seam-side down on the baking sheet.

  4. 4

    Bake in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the chicken near the bone registers at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 1 hour.