Bacon & Cream Cheese Stuffed Doritos chicken
Experience the ultimate Bacon & Cream Cheese Stuffed Doritos Chicken, featuring crispy Doritos coating and a rich, gooey filling of cream cheese, cheddar, and smoky bacon. This easy-to-make dish offers a perfect balance of crunchy texture and bold, cheesy flavors, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or parties.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Coating
- 2 cups Doritos chips, crushed (preferably Nacho Cheese flavor)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Optional Variations
- Diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for spice
- Fresh herbs: chives, parsley, or basil
- Alternative cheeses: pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda
- Finely chopped spinach or roasted peppers for extra veggies
- Prepare the Filling: Cook and finely chop the bacon until crispy. In a bowl, combine the crispy bacon, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined to create a creamy, cheesy filling.
- Prepare the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket without slicing all the way through. This pocket will hold the filling securely during cooking.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the bacon and cream cheese mixture evenly into each chicken pocket, taking care not to overstuff, to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Coat with Doritos: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour mixed with seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika), one with beaten eggs, and one with crushed Doritos chips. Dip each stuffed chicken breast first into the flour, then the eggs, and finally press firmly into the crushed Doritos to coat completely.
- Cook to Perfection: Heat a skillet with a little oil over medium heat or preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the coated chicken breasts until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking time is approximately 6-8 minutes per side on the skillet or 25-30 minutes if baking. Cheese inside should be melted and gooey.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife and slice gently to create even pockets without cutting all the way through the chicken breasts.
- Let the cooked stuffed chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to let the cheese set and prevent spilling.
- Crush Doritos finely but leave some small chunks for added texture and crunch.
- Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the coating while ensuring the filling melts properly.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Bacon, Cream Cheese, Stuffed Chicken, Doritos, Crispy Chicken, Cheesy, Appetizer, Party Recipe