Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 strips bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bags Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 strips extra bacon, crumbled (optional topping)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional topping)
- Drizzle of honey or hot sauce (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine the cream cheese, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, chives, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until well mixed and creamy. Set aside.
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally almost all the way through to create a pocket. Season both inside and outside with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Divide the cream cheese filling evenly among the chicken breasts, spooning it into each pocket.
- Press the chicken closed and secure with 2 to 3 toothpicks.
- Crush the Doritos in a zip-lock bag until finely crushed. Mix in the garlic powder and cayenne if using.
- Set up a breading station with flour in one dish, whisked eggs and milk in a second dish, and crushed Doritos in a third. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in the egg wash, then press into the Doritos crumbs.
- Place the coated chicken on the prepared wire rack and bake for 28 to 32 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden and crispy.
- Remove the toothpicks and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with extra bacon, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of hot sauce or honey. Serve immediately.
Notes
Make sure the cream cheese is well softened for easy mixing. Adjust the bacon and cheese amounts to preference. For a spicier kick, increase cayenne pepper or add jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg