Cream Cheese & Bacon Stufted Doritos Chicken
When it comes to comfort food with a twist, Cream Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken is a dish that’s sure to leave your taste buds tingling. This recipe marries the savory goodness of bacon, the creamy richness of cream cheese, and the unmistakable crunch of Doritos. It’s a meal that’s easy to prepare but delivers an unforgettable dining experience.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following ingredients to ensure your cooking process is smooth and enjoyable:
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 large |
| Cream cheese, softened | 1 package (8 oz or 225g) |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup (100g) |
| Bacon, cooked and crumbled | 6 slices |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Crushed Doritos (any flavor) | 2 cups (100g) |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup (60g) |
| Eggs, beaten | 2 large |
| Milk | 2 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and the coating will crisp up nicely. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
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2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-blended filling. This creamy mixture will serve as the flavorful core of your chicken.
3. Create the Chicken Pockets
Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a horizontal slit along the thickest part of each chicken breast. Be sure to create a pocket large enough to hold the filling, but avoid cutting all the way through the meat. This pocket will hold the delicious cream cheese mixture.
4. Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket, dividing it evenly among the four breasts. Press the edges of the chicken together to close the pocket, and secure it with toothpicks if necessary. This step is crucial to keep the filling from spilling out during the cooking process.
5. Prepare the Doritos Coating
For the coating, you’ll need three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the crushed Doritos. The type of Doritos you choose will influence the flavor of the dish, so pick your favorite variety—Nacho Cheese, Cool Ranch, or Spicy Sweet Chili all work well. In the second dish, add the all-purpose flour. In the third dish, whisk together the beaten eggs and milk until well combined.
6. Coat the Chicken
To coat the chicken, start by dredging each stuffed breast in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. This initial coating helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken. Next, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring that it’s fully covered. Finally, press the chicken into the crushed Doritos, coating it thoroughly. The Doritos should stick well to the egg-washed chicken, creating a vibrant, crunchy crust.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the coated chicken breasts into your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the Doritos coating is golden brown and crispy. To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken—it should read 165°F (74°C). Baking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your chicken breasts, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the oven and discard any toothpicks. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and moist. Serve your Cream Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a side of your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
