What dish can't be improved with bacon? I had some nice little organic chicken breasts, tons of basil and thick cut bacon. I figured it was the makings for a delicious weeknight meal. These chicken roll ups would also be delicious with the addition of cheese. If my husband wasn't lactose intolerant, I probably would have done a slice of fresh mozzarella, a smear of cream cheese, or a dollop of herb-y goat cheese in the filling.

Basil Bacon Chicken

serves 4

Ingredients

4 chicken breast, cut/butterflied lengthwise
8 large basil leaves
8 strips of thick cut bacon
2 tablespoons Greek seasoning (salt-free, or adjust salt accordingly)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
olive oil
tooth picks

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil. Par-cook the bacon in the microwave, by placing the 8 slices in a single layer sandwiched between paper towels. Cook for 1 minute at a time until the bacon is approximately halfway cooked. Mine took 2 minutes.

Lay out chicken breasts on baking sheet. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper and Greek seasoning. Place the basil leaves on top of the chicken, then place the par-cooked bacon slice on the outside of the breast. Roll the bacon and chicken breast around the basil, and secure the roll with a tooth pick. Continue with the other 7 rolls. Drizzle finished rolls with olive oil and cook for 20-30 minutes until cooked through. Mine were cooked in 25 minutes (poultry should be cooked to 165 F). Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes.