Cheesy Bacon Doritos Chicken (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 680 g / 1.5 lbs)
02 - 170 g cream cheese (softened)
03 - 85 g cooked bacon (about 6 slices, chopped)
04 - 150 g Doritos Nacho Cheese flavor (crushed)
05 - Salt, to taste
06 - Pepper, to taste
07 - 2.5 g garlic powder (½ teaspoon)
08 - 2.5 g onion powder (½ teaspoon, optional)

→ For Coating

09 - 2 eggs (for dredging)
10 - 15–30 ml olive oil or melted butter (optional, for brushing or drizzling)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If chicken breasts are thick, gently pound them to even thickness.
02 - In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, chopped bacon, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using) until fully combined.
03 - Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket. Spoon the cream cheese-bacon mixture into each pocket. Secure the edges with toothpicks if necessary.
04 - Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, place the crushed Doritos. Dip each filled chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then roll it in Doritos crumbs, pressing firmly to coat.
05 - Arrange the coated chicken in the prepared dish. Drizzle or brush a bit of olive oil or melted butter on top, if desired. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F). Remove toothpicks before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Avoid overstuffing the chicken breasts to prevent filling leakage during baking.
02 - Check doneness early to prevent overbaking, especially for thinner chicken breasts.
03 - To reheat, warm leftovers in a 175°C (350°F) oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
04 - For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and turkey bacon.