We've already revealed our two honorable mentions, so now it's on to the winners. Today, the 2nd runner-up: Bacon-wrapped Italian Chicken, by Sherri Williams of Crestview, Florida!
These are the perfect salty finger food - ideal for appetizers or for a get together. The tang of the goat cheese and the heat of the red pepper added a great contrasting taste to the sea salt and bacon. Simply delicious.
Bacon-wrapped Italian Chicken
4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
1½ tablespoons chopped sundried tomatoes
2 tablespoons sautéed onion, chopped
5-6 basil leaves, chopped
1 pinch thyme
2 pinches crushed red pepper
1 pinch smoked sea salt
1½ pound boneless-skinless chicken breast, cut into 2" chunks
1 pound bacon slices, cut in half
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix first 7 ingredients in a mixing bowl
Top each chunk of chicken with some of the goat cheese mixture.
Wrap chicken chunks with bacon pieces and secure with toothpick.
Place bacon-wrapped chicken on a large oven-proof cookie sheet with sides. Bake for 20 minutes or until chicken is done and bacon is crispy.
Sherri Williams
Crestview, Florida
Other top recipes from the contest:
Winner: Mango-Bacon Guacamole
1st Runner-up: Southwestern Egg Rolls with Avocado Ranch