Cream Cheese Turkey Bacon Doritos

This creamy, cheesy stuffed chicken recipe elevates ordinary chicken breasts into a flavor explosion with the unexpected crunch of Doritos. I created this indulgent dish for a game day gathering, and it's become my most requested recipe when friends come over for casual dinners.

I first made this dish when looking for a creative way to use up leftover Doritos after a party. My family was skeptical at first, but now they request this "nacho chicken" at least twice a month.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose thick breasts that are easy to cut pockets into
• Cream cheese: Let it soften completely for the smoothest filling
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged
• Turkey bacon: Adds smoky flavor with less fat than regular bacon
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Provides depth without overpowering the filling
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note and beautiful color
• Nacho cheese Doritos: The secret ingredient that creates an incredible crispy coating
• Eggs: Act as the glue that helps the Doritos adhere to the chicken
• Salt and pepper: Always adjust to your taste preferences
• Cooking spray: Helps achieve that golden crunchy exterior

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray. This temperature creates the perfect balance of fully cooking the chicken while developing a crispy exterior without burning.

Create the Filling:

In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled turkey bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.

Prepare the Chicken:

Cut a deep horizontal pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. This creates a pouch that will hold the filling. Use a sharp knife and work slowly to create a generous pocket.

Stuff the Chicken:

Spoon the cream cheese mixture generously into each chicken pocket, distributing the filling evenly among all four breasts. Press the edges slightly to seal in the filling, though some may leak out during cooking which is perfectly fine.

Prepare the Coating:

Place the Doritos in a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. Pour the crumbs into a shallow dish. In another dish, beat the eggs until smooth.

Coat the Chicken:

Dip each stuffed chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's completely coated. Then press it into the Doritos crumbs, turning and patting to make sure the entire surface is covered with crumbs.

Arrange for Baking:

Place the coated chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy coating.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the coating is golden brown and crunchy. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Save This

The turkey bacon is my secret weapon in this recipe. While regular bacon would work, turkey bacon provides just enough smoky flavor without overwhelming the dish or making it too greasy. My son once declared this chicken better than his birthday cake, which might be the highest compliment a home cook can receive.

Make-Ahead Tips

This stuffed chicken can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Complete all steps up to coating the chicken, then cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to cook, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking. You may need to add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time when cooking from chilled.

Easy Substitutions

While this recipe is perfect as written, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For a spicier version, use Cool Ranch or Flamin Hot Doritos instead of nacho cheese. No turkey bacon? Regular bacon works wonderfully, just drain it well after cooking. Vegetarians can replace the chicken with thick portobello mushroom caps and reduce the cooking time to about 20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This stuffed chicken pairs beautifully with lighter sides to balance the richness. I recommend serving it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus. For a more substantial meal, add a side of cilantro lime rice or garlic mashed potatoes. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top adds another layer of flavor that complements the nacho cheese coating.

Common Queries

→ How do you stuff the chicken breasts?

Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and fill it generously with the cream cheese and turkey bacon mixture before securing with toothpicks if needed.

→ Can I substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon?

Yes, you can use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon for a richer flavor, just cook and crumble before mixing in.

→ What's the best way to crush Doritos for coating?

Seal Doritos in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until they reach a fine, breadcrumb-like texture.

→ How do I ensure the coating stays crisp?

Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray before baking. This helps promote a golden, crunchy crust.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken in advance and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving for best results.