Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken
Indulge in the rich flavors of Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken, a deliciously comforting, modern twist on classic stuffed chicken. This standout recipe is perfect for family dinners and special occasions. With creamy fillings and a crunchy Doritos crust, it brings together American favorites into one unforgettable dish.
Key Ingredients
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating its unique taste and texture. Here’s what makes this dish shine:
- Chive and Onion Cream Cheese: Adds a mild onion flavor and creamy texture that complements the other ingredients.
- Cream of Bacon Soup: Enhances the savory flavor and brings a smoky depth to the filling.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding gooey, stretchy layers to the filling.
- Real Bacon Bits: Provides a salty crunch that reinforces the bacon flavor.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Acts as the perfect canvas to hold the creamy filling.
- Egg: Binds the Doritos crumbs to the chicken.
- Crushed Doritos: A crispy, cheesy crust that gives this dish its unique texture.
Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Chive and Onion Cream Cheese: Creamy and flavorful, it lightens the bold bacon and cheese notes.
- Cream of Bacon Soup: Adds a savory richness that enhances each bite.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Offers a mild flavor and a gooey, melty texture.
- Real Bacon Bits: Provides a salty, crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lets the filling’s flavors take center stage.
- Egg: Helps give the crust its appealing golden color.
- Crushed Doritos: Adds a distinctive cheesy and garlicky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.
Preparation Steps
Step-by-Step Guide
- Make the Filling:
- Blend the chive and onion cream cheese with cream of bacon soup until smooth.
- Mix in shredded mozzarella and real bacon bits, creating a deliciously creamy and savory filling.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to form a pocket.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each chicken breast.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Fold the chicken breasts closed, place them in a greased baking dish, and brush with beaten egg.
- Press the crushed Doritos over the chicken to form a crispy crust.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 33 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the Doritos crust is golden.
Pro Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking for optimal juiciness.
Final Assembly and Presentation
For the best results, be sure to carefully follow the assembly and baking process for a beautifully crisp and golden Doritos crust. Allowing the chicken to rest before serving enhances its texture and makes for an impressive presentation. Slice each chicken breast to reveal the creamy interior and the crispy crust.
Serving Suggestions
Complement the Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken with the following sides:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes pair perfectly with the crunchy crust and rich filling.
- Steamed Green Beans: Their crisp texture and light garlic butter dressing balance the hearty chicken.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh parsley for color and a hint of herbal flavor.
- Extra bacon bits for added crunch and flavor.
- A drizzle of ranch dressing for a tangy finish.
Wine Pairing
- Chardonnay: Complements the creamy texture and rich flavors.
- Pinot Noir: A medium-bodied red with subtle fruit notes to balance the savory chicken.
Non-Alcoholic Beverage
- Sparkling Apple Cider: Provides a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approx. 600 per serving
- Protein: About 30 grams per serving
- Fats: Roughly 35 grams per serving
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 900 mg per serving
Alternative Variations
Customize the Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken to fit dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Doritos and bacon bits.
- Low-Fat: Choose low-fat cream cheese, mozzarella, and turkey bacon.
- Vegetarian: Omit bacon and substitute with smoked cheeses or vegetarian bacon.
- Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños to the filling and use spicy Doritos.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I use instead of cream of bacon soup?
- Substitute with mushroom cream soup, chicken cream soup, or homemade white sauce.
- Vegetarian alternatives for bacon bits?
- Try smoked tofu, tempeh, or coconut bacon for similar smoky flavors.
- How to adjust spice levels?
- For more heat, add jalapeños or use spicy Doritos. For a milder version, use plain tortilla chips.
- How can I keep the chicken moist?
- Avoid overcooking, marinate the chicken, and cover with foil while baking.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead?
- Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Reheat leftovers at 350°F until warm.
Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken
Equipment
- Baking sheet or baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Small mixing bowl
- Large resealable plastic bag (for crushing Doritos)
- Toothpicks (optional, for sealing the chicken)
- Mallet or rolling pin (for flattening chicken)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed Doritos Nacho Cheese flavor works well
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
For the Cream Cheese Bacon Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbled
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Coating:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) using a mallet or rolling pin.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the Chicken:
- Spoon an equal amount of the cream cheese and bacon mixture onto each chicken breast.
- Fold the chicken over the filling and secure with toothpicks, if necessary, to keep the filling inside.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Place the flour, beaten eggs, and crushed Doritos in three separate shallow bowls.
- Dredge each stuffed chicken breast first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with crushed Doritos, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy. If using shredded cheese as an extra topping, sprinkle it over the chicken in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, and carefully remove toothpicks before serving.