Looking for a dish that will impress your guests or elevate your weeknight dinner routine? Look no further than Million Dollar Chicken! This delectable recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and creamy filling, topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese. It’s a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this mouthwatering Million Dollar Chicken, along with answering some frequently asked questions, providing variations, and even offering keto and low-carb versions for those watching their carb intake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes this dish “Million Dollar” chicken? A: The combination of creamy cheese filling, crispy bacon, and tender chicken makes this dish incredibly rich and flavorful, hence the name “Million Dollar” Chicken. It’s a luxurious dish that tastes like a million bucks!
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead of boneless? A: Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient, you can certainly use bone-in chicken breasts for added flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken cooks through.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and filling ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply assemble the dish and pop it in the oven.
Q: Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken? A: Yes, Million Dollar Chicken can be frozen either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven until heated through.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to make a horizontal slit along the side of each breast, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, both inside and out.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped green onions, and half of the crumbled bacon. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the filling into the pockets of the chicken breasts, dividing it evenly among them. Press the edges of the chicken together to seal the pockets.
- Top with Bacon: Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon over the top of the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Bake: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling mixture.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use portobello mushroom caps or large zucchini halves as a vegetarian alternative. Stuff and bake as directed.
- Different Cheese Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to customize the flavor of the filling. Gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese would all work well in this recipe.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For a keto or low-carb version of Million Dollar Chicken, you can make a few simple swaps:
- Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lower-carb option.
- Omit the onion powder and adjust the garlic powder to taste to reduce the carb content further.
- Serve the chicken alongside a side salad or roasted vegetables instead of traditional carb-heavy sides like mashed potatoes or rice.
With its creamy cheese filling, crispy bacon topping, and tender chicken, Million Dollar Chicken is a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a special meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and watch as it becomes a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!
