Looking for a mouthwatering chicken recipe that combines crispy, creamy, and smoky flavors? This Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or party appetizers. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that’s packed with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Using a sharp knife, make a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each pocket with the prepared cream cheese and bacon mixture. Use toothpicks to seal the edges if necessary.
3. Set Up the Breading Station
- Place the flour in one shallow bowl.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, add the crushed Doritos.
4. Bread the Chicken
- Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in the flour, coating completely.
- Dip into the beaten eggs.
- Roll in the crushed Doritos until fully coated.
5. Bake or Fry
- For Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy.
- For Frying: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot with a side of ranch or spicy mayo for dipping. Pair it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly crushed Doritos for maximum crunch.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to seal in the juices.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a flavor explosion! The creamy filling complements the crispy Doritos crust perfectly, while the bacon adds a smoky depth. It’s a fun twist on classic stuffed chicken, sure to be a hit at any table.
Serving Tips for Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dips to enhance the flavor, such as ranch dressing, spicy mayo, honey mustard, or a creamy chipotle sauce.
- Side Dishes: Pair with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for added freshness and a pop of color.
- Party Style: If serving as an appetizer, slice the stuffed chicken into smaller portions and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy eating.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each piece of cooked chicken individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 2 months.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to maintain the crispy texture.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes for a quick and crispy reheating option.
- Microwave: Use this method only if in a hurry; the coating may lose its crispiness.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken fresh out of the oven or as a delicious leftover!
1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?
Yes! You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a different flavor profile. Each cheese brings its own unique taste and texture to the dish.
2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bread them just before baking or frying for the best texture.
3. What can I use if I don’t have Doritos?
If Doritos aren’t available, you can use other flavored tortilla chips, potato chips, or even panko breadcrumbs seasoned with paprika and garlic powder for a similar crunchy coating.
4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Ensure you avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.
Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken
This Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken is a flavor-packed dish where juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy bacon and cheese filling, coated in crunchy Doritos crumbs, and baked to golden perfection. A fun and indulgent twist on a classic chicken dinner!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Serves 4
- For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (250 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (50 g) cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the coating:
- 2 cups (120 g) crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stuff the chicken:
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Fill each pocket with the cream cheese mixture and secure the edges with toothpicks if necessary.
- Coat the chicken:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with crushed Doritos.
- Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in the flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, and then coat it thoroughly with the crushed Doritos.
- Bake the chicken:
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is crispy and golden.
- Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use flavored cream cheese (like jalapeño or herb) for an extra flavor kick.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the cream cheese mixture or use Spicy Nacho Doritos for coating.