Pimiento Cheese Chicken

I had to cook this longer than it called for. Next time I will saute thin chicken breasts until done and spread on pimiento cheese filling as a topping. The filling was good enough to warrant making this again. Cooking Light.

* 1 slice applewood-smoked bacon
* 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 2 tablespoons minced green onions
* 1 1/2 tablespoons diced pimientos
* 1 tablespoon canola mayonnaise
* 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
* 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
* 4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon canola oil

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Cook bacon in a large ovenproof skillet until crisp. Remove bacon, reserving drippings in pan; crumble bacon. Combine bacon, next 6 ingredients, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut a 1-inch-wide slit into the thick end of each breast half; carefully cut down to the center of chicken to form a deep pocket. Divide cheese mixture evenly among pockets. Secure with wooden picks. Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.

3. Heat pan over medium-high heat. Add oil to drippings. Add chicken to pan; saute 4 minutes. Turn chicken over. Bake at 350° for 12 minutes; let stand for 5 minutes.