Baked Chicken Wrapped in Pancetta

This recipe makes baked chicken breasts that are seasoned, stuffed with cheddar cheese and wrapped in pancetta slices. The chicken, cheese and pancetta together create a gorgeous flavour and this recipe. This is one of my go to recipes when I'm unsure of what to cook and it never dissapoints.

This recipe is definitely a hit in my household as we all love chicken, cheese and pancetta. Pancetta is Italy cured pork belly that is similar to bacon. It has a slightly salty flavour and like bacon, you can buy it smoked or unsmoked.  It can be used in a range of dishes including soups and pasta.

Pancetta can be purchased as slices similar to streaky bacon or as cubes. For this recipe, I use the slices which when cooked will look exactly like bacon slices. If you love bacon then you will definitely love pancetta and love this recipe.

This recipe is quick and easy to prepare and cooks in around 25 minutes. It is the perfect recipe for the whole family and great as a main when hosting dinner parties.

If you’re following a low carb diet then you can serve this recipe with a green salad, broccoli or some green beans. If you’re following a balanced diet then you can serve with some new potatoes or sweet potatoes and some veggies.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Wrapped in Pancetta

• 4 chicken breast fillets - medium fillets are perfect.
• ½ teaspoon salt - using salt is optional as the pancetta contains salt.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper - seasonings to enhance flavour.
• 1 teaspoon paprika - adds colour and flavour to the chicken.
• 2 teaspoon garlic granules - can also use garlic powder.
• 2 teaspoon onion granules - can also use onion powder.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme - I sometimes use chopped fresh thyme so you can use which ever you prefer.
• 4 slices cheddar cheese - stuff the middle of the chicken with your favourite melting cheese.
• 12 slices of pancetta - use to wrap around the chicken. You can also used streaky bacon instead.

How to Make Baked Chicken Wrapped in Pancetta

1. Make a small lengthway slit at the top of the chicken breasts then season all the breasts with the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic granules, onion granules and thyme.

2. Place a slice of cheese in the slit you made in the chicken then wrap each chicken breast with 3 slices of pancetta each and place each breast on a baking tray or baking dish. Place the chicken in the fridge for around 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to gas mark 6/400^oF/200^oC.

3. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes then remove and allow to stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• If you struggle to get hold of pancetta slices, you can use bacon slices/streaky bacon instead. Its just as good.

Nutrition

Nutrition based on 1 serving: Calories: 247kcal | Fat: 8.1g | Saturates: 4.0g | Carbs: 1.9g | Sugar: 0.8g | Fibre: 0.5g | Protein: 41.6g | Salt 0.97g

Storage

Cooked chicken can be store in the fridge for up to 2 days.

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