Indulge in the savory goodness of Cream Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken. This dish combines the creaminess of cheese, the smoky flavor of bacon, and the crunch of Doritos for a mouthwatering meal that's sure to impress. Perfect for dinner parties or a special family meal.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup crushed Doritos chips
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Step 2: Prepare the Chicken:
- Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. Season the inside of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Make the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 4 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon.
- Step 4: Stuff the Chicken:
- Stuff each chicken breast with the cream cheese mixture, then press the edges to seal.
- Step 5: Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat with 1 cup of crushed Doritos chips, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 6: Bake the Chicken:
- Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. 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:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Cream Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken hot, straight out of the oven, for the best texture and flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the chicken.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- For added flavor, drizzle some ranch dressing or a spicy sauce over the chicken just before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly butterflied to create a uniform pocket for stuffing.
- Partially cooking the bacon before adding it to the filling helps it stay crispy and adds a nice texture to the dish.
- For an extra cheesy flavor, add more shredded cheddar cheese to the filling or sprinkle some on top of the chicken before baking.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends using high-quality cream cheese and cheddar for the best taste.
- Chef Rachael Ray suggests adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the crushed Doritos for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chef Ina Garten advises letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.