When it comes to comfort food, few things hit the spot like cheesy, crunchy chicken. If you’re a cheese lover and a chicken recipe enthusiast, you must try Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken! Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this dish combines tender chicken, creamy stuffing, and a crispy Doritos coating for a meal that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The base of the dish, with thickness that helps keep all the stuffing inside.
8 oz cream cheese, softened (e.g., Philadelphia): Adds a tangy, creamy filling that pairs well with sharp cheddar and smoky bacon.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness, adding extra cheesiness to the filling.
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Provides a smoky flavor and a bit of crunch to the creamy stuffing.
2 cups crushed Doritos (any flavor): Adds a crunchy, flavorful coating to the chicken.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the egg and Doritos coating adhere to the chicken.
2 large eggs, beaten: Binds the crushed Doritos to the chicken.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth to the flavor profile.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for balancing flavors.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Create a Pocket: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast. Be cautious not to slice through completely; the pocket should be deep enough to hold the stuffing without the filling spilling out.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Fill the Chicken Breasts: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each chicken pocket, spreading it evenly. Press the edges of the chicken together to seal the pocket, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Set Up the Breading Station: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and crushed Doritos.
Bread the Chicken: First, coat each stuffed chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the crushed Doritos, ensuring an even coating.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Bake: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the chicken hot and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy filling and crunchy coating.
Variations and Substitutions
Doritos Flavors: Try different Doritos flavors like Spicy Nacho, Cool Ranch, or Sweet Chili for a unique twist each time.
Cheese Options: Experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for added heat or mozzarella for a gooey texture.
Herb Additions: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or thyme to elevate the flavor profile.
Lighter Version: Opt for light cream cheese, turkey bacon, and whole-wheat flour for a healthier version. You can also use baked chips instead of fried Doritos for a lower-fat option.
This recipe combines the indulgence of cream cheese and bacon with the crunch of Doritos, resulting in a meal that’s both delicious and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Enjoy!