Cheesy Million Dollar Baked Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese & Bacon!

Cheesy Million Dollar Baked Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese & Bacon is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy topping, then bakes it to perfection. The richness of cream cheese, the sharpness of cheddar, and the gooey mozzarella create a flavorful sauce, while the bacon adds a satisfying crunch and smoky flavor. This dish is ideal for anyone looking to elevate a simple chicken breast into something extraordinary. With a combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for those who love creamy, cheesy dishes with a savory twist. The chicken breasts are covered in a rich, cheesy mixture that includes cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and green onions, while the crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky contrast. The recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require complicated ingredients, yet it delivers a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family or guests asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Ingredients

• 8 strips of bacon, crisped and chopped (thick-cut is best)
• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces of softened cream cheese (1 brick)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

• Use Different Cheeses: You can substitute the mozzarella or cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, gouda, or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Add Vegetables: For added flavor, try incorporating sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the cheese mixture.
• Make it Spicy: Add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Lighter Version: Reduce the amount of cream cheese and mayonnaise to cut down on the calories.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Crisp the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat, then chop them into small pieces. Rinse the chicken breasts, pat them dry, and trim any excess fat. Arrange the chicken breasts in a baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, chopped bacon, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and the cheese is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken

Spread the cheese mixture generously over the chicken breasts. If desired, top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy layer.

Step 4: Bake

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The top should be golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra chopped bacon and green onions before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Butterfly Large Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are very large, consider butterflying them to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
• Soften the Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before using, which will make it easier to mix.
• Quality of Mayonnaise Matters: The brand of mayonnaise you use can affect the flavor. Choose a high-quality mayo for the best result.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the chicken while baking. If you overbake it, the chicken could become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.

How to Serve

Serve the Cheesy Million Dollar Baked Chicken Breast with a variety of sides to complete the meal. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For a low-carb option, serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to let the chicken cool completely before storing it to prevent condensation.

Freezing

This dish is not ideal for freezing as the creamy sauce may change texture after freezing and reheating.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), or microwave it until heated through. The chicken will remain moist and flavorful when properly reheated.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for the breasts. The cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of the thighs.

2. How can I make this dish less calorie-dense?

To reduce calories, you can use less cream cheese or opt for a lighter version of mayonnaise and cheese.

3. Can I make this recipe without bacon?

Yes, you can omit the bacon if desired, though it will lose some of the smoky flavor. You can also substitute bacon with pancetta or sausage for a different taste.

4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, low-fat cream cheese will work in this recipe, though the texture may be slightly different.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and cheese mixture in advance, then bake it just before serving. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s chilled.

6. Can I freeze the leftovers?

It is not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture of the cream cheese may change when reheated.

7. Can I make this dish spicier?

For a spicy twist, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.

8. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).

9. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the cheese mixture for extra flavor and texture.

10. What can I serve this dish with?

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.

Conclusion

Cheesy Million Dollar Baked Chicken Breast with Cream Cheese & Bacon is a show-stopping dish that’s both simple to make and packed with flavor. The creamy cheese topping combined with crispy bacon and tender chicken creates a mouthwatering meal that your family will love. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this dish is sure to satisfy.

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