Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken is a deliciously crispy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, savory filling, all wrapped in a crunchy Doritos coating. Perfect for dinner, game nights, or any occasion where you want to impress with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Combines creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures in every bite
- Packed with smoky bacon and rich cream cheese flavor
- Kid-friendly and perfect for family dinners
- Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
- A great way to use up leftover Doritos
- Ideal for parties or game nights
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- Cream cheese, softened
- Cooked bacon, crumbled
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Ranch seasoning (optional)
- Crushed Doritos (any flavor, but Nacho Cheese works best)
- Eggs
- Flour
- Oil for frying or baking
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) or heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally but not all the way through.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture, then secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Dredge the stuffed chicken first in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally in crushed Doritos, ensuring an even coating.
- If frying, cook in hot oil for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. If baking, place the coated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks if used.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (baking) or 10 minutes (frying)
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Use Spicy Nacho Doritos or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
- Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a gooier filling.
- Ranch-Flavored: Use Cool Ranch Doritos instead of Nacho Cheese.
- Baked vs. Fried: Baking makes it a bit healthier, while frying gives it an extra crunchy texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free chips instead of Doritos.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 10-12 minutes to keep the coating crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the coating soggy.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked, coated chicken for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed.
FAQs
How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
Can I use other flavors of Doritos?
Yes! Try Cool Ranch, Spicy Sweet Chili, or any other favorite variety.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but they may need a bit more cooking time due to their higher fat content.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Use toothpicks to seal the edges and avoid overstuffing.
Can I air fry this recipe?
Yes! Air fry at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based cheese alternative.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for up to a day before cooking.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Not recommended, as the stuffing needs to cook with the raw chicken for the best texture and flavor.
Whatโs the best way to crush Doritos?
Place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or use a food processor.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken is a fun and flavorful twist on stuffed chicken. With its crispy Doritos crust, creamy filling, and smoky bacon, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether baked or fried, itโs a must-try recipe for any occasion!
PrintCream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy bacon filling, then coated in crunchy Doritos for a bold and delicious crust. Itโs crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating:
- 2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos (about 2 handfuls)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven & Prep Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
-
Make the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
-
Stuff the Chicken:
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast.
- Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into each pocket. Use toothpicks to secure the edges if needed.
-
Coat the Chicken:
- Set up a breading station:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs + milk
- Bowl 3: Crushed Doritos
- Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat it well with crushed Doritos, pressing gently so they stick.
- Set up a breading station:
-
Bake the Chicken:
- Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (75ยฐC).
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with a side of ranch dressing, sour cream, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor!
Notes
- Try using different flavors of Doritos for a fun twist! Spicy Sweet Chili or Cool Ranch work great.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make it extra cheesy by adding a sprinkle of Parmesan to the Doritos coating.
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