Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese ,softened
- 6 strips of bacon ,cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups of crushed Doritos any flavor, but nacho cheese works best
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten for coating
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat 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 Stuffing
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Set this mixture aside for stuffing the chicken breasts.
- Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
- Using a sharp knife, make a slit along the side of each chicken breast to create a pocket. Be careful not to slice all the way through.
- Stuff each chicken breast with a generous portion of the cream cheese and bacon mixture, then secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Step 4: Crush the Doritos Coating
- In a separate bowl, crush the Doritos until they resemble coarse crumbs. You can use a food processor for finer crumbs, or place them in a zip-lock bag and crush them manually with a rolling pin.
- Step 5: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Press the chicken breasts into the crushed Doritos, making sure they are evenly coated with the crispy chips.
- Step 6: 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 (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- Calories come mainly from the chicken, cream cheese, bacon, and Doritos coating.
- Protein is primarily from chicken and bacon, making it a high-protein dish.
- Fat comes from cream cheese, bacon, and Doritos, so it’s relatively high in fats, particularly saturated fats.
- Sodium is on the higher side due to the bacon and Doritos, so consider using lower sodium options if needed.
Nutrition
If you’re looking for a creative, crowd-pleasing dish, Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken hits all the right notes. This recipe is the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or game-day snacking. With a crispy coating of crushed Doritos, a rich cream cheese and bacon stuffing, and juicy chicken, this dish is indulgent yet easy to prepare.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Although this recipe is on the indulgent side, some of the core ingredients do offer surprising health benefits when consumed in moderation.
- Chicken Breast: This lean protein is a great source of essential nutrients like B vitamins and zinc. It helps in muscle repair and provides a significant amount of protein per serving, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain or build muscle mass.
- Cream Cheese: While high in fats, cream cheese offers a good amount of calcium, which is beneficial for bone health. You can opt for lower-fat cream cheese to make this dish lighter, without compromising on the creamy texture.
- Bacon: Though often seen as a guilty pleasure, bacon in moderation can add protein and B vitamins to your diet. Choose leaner cuts of bacon or turkey bacon to reduce fat and sodium content.
- Doritos: Although Doritos contribute to the crunch factor, they are high in sodium and should be enjoyed in moderation. However, for a special treat, they can add a fun texture and unique flavor to your chicken dish.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to avoid sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Set this mixture aside for stuffing the chicken breasts.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
- With a sharp knife, cut a slit along the side of each chicken breast to form a pocket, taking care not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each chicken breast with a generous portion of the cream cheese and bacon mixture, then secure with toothpicks if needed.
Step 4: Crush the Doritos Coating
- In a separate bowl, crush the Doritos until they resemble coarse crumbs. You can use a food processor for finer crumbs, or place them in a zip-lock bag and crush them manually with a rolling pin.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Press the chicken breasts into the crushed Doritos, making sure they are evenly coated with the crispy chips.
Step 6: Bake
- Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the baking sheet you’ve prepared.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Customization Tips
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your preferences:
- Spice It Up: For a spicy kick, use Spicy Nacho or Flamin’ Hot Doritos. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cream cheese filling.
- Lighter Option: For a healthier version, swap regular cream cheese for reduced-fat cream cheese and use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon. You can also bake the bacon in the oven to reduce grease.
- Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro to the cream cheese mixture for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Make It Extra Cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover, mix in some mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese along with the cheddar for an extra cheesy filling.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken is a playful, tasty dish that’s guaranteed to wow your guests. Its creamy, cheesy interior paired with the crunchy Doritos crust makes it a standout recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a party, this recipe is bound to be a hit.
Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese ,softened
- 6 strips of bacon ,cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups of crushed Doritos any flavor, but nacho cheese works best
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten for coating
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat 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 Stuffing
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Set this mixture aside for stuffing the chicken breasts.
- Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
- Using a sharp knife, make a slit along the side of each chicken breast to create a pocket. Be careful not to slice all the way through.
- Stuff each chicken breast with a generous portion of the cream cheese and bacon mixture, then secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Step 4: Crush the Doritos Coating
- In a separate bowl, crush the Doritos until they resemble coarse crumbs. You can use a food processor for finer crumbs, or place them in a zip-lock bag and crush them manually with a rolling pin.
- Step 5: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Press the chicken breasts into the crushed Doritos, making sure they are evenly coated with the crispy chips.
- Step 6: 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 (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- Calories come mainly from the chicken, cream cheese, bacon, and Doritos coating.
- Protein is primarily from chicken and bacon, making it a high-protein dish.
- Fat comes from cream cheese, bacon, and Doritos, so it’s relatively high in fats, particularly saturated fats.
- Sodium is on the higher side due to the bacon and Doritos, so consider using lower sodium options if needed.