Cream Cheese & Bacon Stufted Doritos Chicken

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Chicken**:
– Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
– Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in the center of each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the side. Be careful not to cut all the way through the chicken—just enough to create a space to stuff the filling.
– Season the outside of the chicken breasts with **salt**, **pepper**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, and **paprika**. This will give the chicken a nice flavor base.

#### 2. **Make the Cream Cheese Filling**:
– In a medium bowl, combine the **softened cream cheese**, **crumbled bacon**, and **shredded cheddar cheese**. Mix until smooth and well combined. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
– Stuff each chicken breast with the cream cheese mixture, making sure to pack it tightly inside the pocket. You can secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling from spilling out while cooking.

#### 3. **Crush the Doritos**:
– In a large ziplock bag, crush the **Doritos** into small pieces (but not into a fine powder). You want a combination of smaller crumbs and larger pieces to give the chicken a crunchy coating. Alternatively, you can use a food processor to crush the Doritos.
– Transfer the crushed Doritos to a shallow dish for breading the chicken.

#### 4. **Coat the Chicken**:
– Heat **1 tablespoon of olive oil** in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
– Carefully dip each stuffed chicken breast into the crushed Doritos, pressing down slightly so the crumbs adhere to the chicken. Coat the chicken thoroughly on all sides.

#### 5. **Sear the Chicken**:
– Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear each side for about **2-3 minutes**, or until golden brown and crispy. This step helps lock in the flavors and creates a delicious crust on the chicken.

#### 6. **Bake the Chicken**:
– Once all sides of the chicken are browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for **20-25 minutes**, or until the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
– If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can broil the chicken for an additional **1-2 minutes** at the end of baking to get the Doritos crust extra crispy.

#### 7. **Serve and Enjoy**:
– Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the toothpicks and serve hot. These **Cream Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken** breasts are great with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. The creamy, savory filling paired with the crunchy Doritos coating creates an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

### Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken:

1. **Crispy and Crunchy**:
The Doritos coating gives the chicken a satisfying, crispy texture, making each bite incredibly satisfying. The crunchiness of the Doritos pairs perfectly with the juicy, tender chicken inside.

2. **Creamy and Savory Filling**:
The rich cream cheese filling, combined with crispy bacon and cheddar cheese, adds a deliciously creamy and savory element that complements the crunchy exterior. The bacon adds an irresistible smoky flavor to each bite.

3. **Easy to Make**:
Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can have a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal on the table in under an hour.

4. **Perfect for Any Occasion**:
Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or a special occasion, **Cream Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken** is sure to be a hit. It’s indulgent enough for a treat but simple enough to make for a regular meal.

5. **Customizable**:
You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your taste. Try using **different flavored Doritos**, like **Spicy Sweet Chili** or **Cool Ranch**, for a fun variation. You can also add extra veggies to the cream cheese filling, such as **spinach** or **jalapeños**, for additional flavor.

### Tips for the Best Stuffed Doritos Chicken:

– **Don’t Overstuff the Chicken**: Be sure not to overstuff the chicken breasts with the cream cheese mixture, as this could cause the filling to spill out while cooking. If necessary, use toothpicks to secure the edges.

– **Use Fresh Chicken**: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.

– **Serve Immediately**: This dish is best served hot and fresh out of the oven. The crispy Doritos coating is most enjoyable right after baking.

– **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the chicken and stuff it the night before, then just bake and sear it the next day. This can save you time on a busy weeknight.

### Conclusion: A Flavor-Packed Meal You Can’t Resist

**Cream Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken** is the perfect dish for anyone craving something indulgent, crispy, and full of flavor. The combination of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and a crunchy Doritos crust makes for a meal that’s both satisfying and mouthwatering. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household, whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a fun weekend meal. Try it out, and get ready for a flavorful explosion in every bite!