Looking for a crispy, cheesy, over-the-top chicken recipe that wows every time? This Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken combines rich, melty filling with a bold, crunchy Nacho Cheese Doritos crust for a dish that’s packed with flavor and fun. Whether baked or fried, this chicken is a comfort food lover’s dream.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or oil for baking or frying
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and chopped cooked bacon. Stir until fully mixed and set aside.
2. Butterfly and Stuff the Chicken
Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing a pocket into the side without cutting all the way through.
Season the inside of each breast lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into each pocket. Press gently to close the chicken around the filling. If needed, use toothpicks to secure the opening.
3. Prep the Coating Stations
Set up three shallow bowls:
Bowl 1: Flour, seasoned with paprika, salt, and pepper
Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
Bowl 3: Crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
4. Coat the Chicken
Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in the seasoned flour, coating evenly.
Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
Press into the crushed Doritos, coating all sides well and pressing crumbs to stick.
5. Cooking Options
Option 1: Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place coated chicken breasts on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Spray lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C) and coating is golden and crisp.
Option 2: Pan-Fry
Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Fry each chicken breast for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve
Remove toothpicks if used. Let rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing. Serve with ranch dressing, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.
Tips & Variations
Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños to the cream cheese filling for a kick.
Cheese swap: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or Colby for a different flavor.
Doritos flavor: Experiment with Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho for fun variations.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat to 375°F, cook for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the crunch. Avoid microwaving, as the coating may become soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken is indulgent, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy any craving for crispy, cheesy comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just shaking up your dinner routine, this stuffed chicken dish is a guaranteed winner.