This recipe takes comfort food to a whole new level with juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling, wrapped in crispy bacon, and coated with crushed Doritos. It’s crunchy, savory, and absolutely irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Because who doesn’t love bacon, cream cheese, and Doritos all in one bite? Plus, this dish is easy to prep, perfect for impressing guests, and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds (and thirds). It’s indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
You’ll need a few key items to get started, but don’t worry—I’ve got the full list waiting for you below. For now, here’s what you’ll be working with:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Cream cheese
- Crumbled bacon
- Crushed Doritos
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—the directions!
Directions
Preparing the Chicken Breasts
Start by preparing your chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each breast horizontally to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through—you want to end up with a little pouch to hold the stuffing. Once they’re prepped, season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with crumbled cooked bacon. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. If you prefer extra flavor, add a dash of garlic powder or paprika to give it an extra kick. Stuff each chicken breast generously with the mixture, pressing it gently so it stays inside during cooking.
Wrapping with Bacon
Take a couple of strips of raw bacon and wrap them securely around each stuffed chicken breast. Secure the ends with toothpicks to ensure the bacon stays in place while baking. The bacon will render its fat as it cooks, adding even more flavor to the dish.
Coating with Crushed Doritos
Place each wrapped chicken breast in a shallow dish and coat it thoroughly with crushed Doritos. Press the chips firmly onto the surface so they stick well. This step adds that signature crunch and makes every bite unforgettable.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the prepared chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last 5 minutes of cooking, broil the chicken briefly to crisp up the bacon and Doritos coating.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Don’t overstuff the chicken; leave some space for the filling to expand as it cooks.
- For added convenience, precook the bacon before wrapping it around the chicken.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before stuffing to help the Doritos adhere better.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with different flavors:
- Swap out regular Doritos for nacho cheese or spicy varieties.
- Add shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese to the cream cheese filling for extra gooeyness.
- Replace bacon with prosciutto for a lighter option.
- Toss in chopped green onions or jalapeños for a pop of color and heat.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these delicious morsels alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. A side of mashed potatoes or garlic bread also works wonders. For drinks, pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold IPA for those who enjoy beer.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid reheating directly under the broiler to prevent burning the exterior.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked stuffed chicken breasts for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q: What type of Doritos should I use?
Classic Cool Ranch or Nacho Cheese are great options, but feel free to choose your favorite flavor depending on personal taste.
Q: Is it okay to skip the bacon?
Absolutely! While bacon adds incredible flavor, you can omit it and still have a tasty dish. Just increase the amount of cream cheese filling to compensate.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Conclusion
There you have it—a mouthwatering recipe that combines three of life’s greatest pleasures: cream cheese, bacon, and Doritos. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something decadent, this dish won’t disappoint. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!
Let me know what you think once you try it—and don’t forget to share your creations with me! Happy cooking, my friend.
Print
Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A mouthwatering fusion of flavors where juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy cream cheese and bacon mixture, then coated in crushed Doritos for an extra crunch. This dish is perfect for a fun and flavorful weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups crushed Doritos (original flavor)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray or oil, for baking
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Season the inside of each pocket with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Make the stuffing: In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions (if using). Stuff each chicken breast generously with the cream cheese mixture, pressing it into the pocket. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed.
- Coat the chicken: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and crushed Doritos. Coat each stuffed chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then press it into the crushed Doritos to coat evenly.
- Bake the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking spray. Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with cooking spray for added crispiness.
- Cook: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the coating is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional green onions if desired. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For an extra crispy texture, you can pan-fry the chicken after coating it in Doritos. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook each side for 3–4 minutes before transferring to the oven to finish baking.
- You can use different flavored Doritos for variation, such as Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg