Description
Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken
A lighter, herby version with fresh flavors and crispy textures.
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
4 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup cooked turkey bacon
1 cup crushed Cool Ranch Doritos
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Combine cream cheese, parsley, and turkey bacon; stuff into chicken.
Coat with crushed Cool Ranch Doritos.
Bake for 25 minutes and serve hot.
Tip: Pair with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
#HerbyDoritosChicken
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep horizontal pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. 3. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and crumbled cooked turkey bacon until well combined. 4. Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly and stuff it into the pocket of each chicken breast. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary. 5. Place the crushed Cool Ranch Doritos in a shallow dish. Press each stuffed chicken breast firmly into the crumbs, coating all sides. 6. Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the Doritos coating is golden and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and flavorful chicken is best balanced with light, fresh sides. Serve it alongside a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, pair it with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed cauliflower, or a simple cilantro-lime rice. A cool dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice on the chicken just before serving adds a perfect finishing touch.
How-to Summary
Create a pocket in chicken breasts, fill with a herby cream cheese and turkey bacon mixture, coat thoroughly in crushed Cool Ranch Doritos, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different Doritos flavor? Absolutely. Nacho Cheese or Spicy Sweet Chili varieties work wonderfully and will change the flavor profile.
How can I make sure the coating sticks? Pat the chicken breasts dry before stuffing. For extra adhesion, you can lightly brush the chicken with mayonnaise or Dijon mustard before pressing into the crumbs.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the stuffed and coated chicken breasts, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What’s the best way to crush the Doritos? Place them in a sealed zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into coarse crumbs. You want texture, not fine dust.
Can I use an air fryer? Yes. Cook at 375°F for about 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overstuffing the chicken, as the filling can leak out during baking. Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Do not crush the Doritos too finely; larger crumbs provide better texture. Finally, do not skip checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to prevent undercooked chicken.
Conclusion
This Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that masterfully combines creamy, herby, salty, and crunchy elements. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe that proves everyday ingredients can create extraordinary meals. Perfect for a busy weeknight or for entertaining guests, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious crunch!