Take your chicken dinner to the next level with this indulgent Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken. Crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful, this dish features chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy bacon filling, coated in crushed Doritos for the ultimate crunch. It’s a show-stopping meal that’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Filling:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
For the Coating:
- 2 cups crushed Doritos (your favorite flavor, such as Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chives until well combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
- Spoon the cream cheese and bacon mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, filling generously. Secure the edges with toothpicks to keep the filling inside while cooking.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with crushed Doritos.
- Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the crushed Doritos, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 5: Bake
- Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the toothpicks before serving.
- Garnish with extra chopped chives and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or a side salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy and Cheesy: The combination of creamy bacon filling and Doritos crunch is unbeatable.
- Easy to Customize: Swap Doritos flavors or experiment with different cheeses for a new twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners or serving at gatherings.
Tips for Success
- Crush the Doritos Evenly: Use a food processor or place them in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for consistent crumbs.
- Don’t Overstuff: Avoid overfilling the chicken pockets to prevent leaks during baking.
- Add Spice: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the seasoning for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a creamy ranch dressing or spicy chipotle sauce for dipping.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent the coating from becoming soggy.
With its crispy Doritos crust and rich, creamy bacon filling, this Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken is the ultimate comfort food. Easy to make and impossible to resist, it’s sure to become a new family favorite! 🧀🥓✨
