Crispy Doritos-Crusted Chicken Stuffed with Cream Cheese and Shredded Chicken

This crispy Doritos-crusted chicken stuffed with cream cheese and shredded chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. It’s cheesy, crunchy, creamy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. I take tender chicken breasts, fill them with a rich, seasoned cream cheese mixture, and coat them in crushed Doritos before baking to crispy perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms everyday chicken into something fun, indulgent, and family-friendly. The crushed Doritos give the coating a unique crunch and serious flavor, while the creamy chicken filling inside is warm, cheesy, and super satisfying. It’s perfect for nights when I want something bold and easy, and it never fails to impress guests or picky eaters.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Cooked, shredded chicken

• Cream cheese, softened

• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Salt and pepper

• Crushed Doritos (nacho cheese or flavor of choice)

• Eggs

• All-purpose flour

• Cooking spray or olive oil for baking

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. I slice a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.

3. In a bowl, I mix the shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined.

4. I spoon the cream cheese filling into each chicken breast and gently press the edges to seal as best I can.

5. I set up a dredging station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with crushed Doritos.

6. I coat each stuffed chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then press into the crushed Doritos to fully coat.

7. I place them on the baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray to help the crust crisp up.

8. I bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is golden and crunchy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 stuffed chicken breasts. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to bake, so I can have dinner ready in just under 45 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I spice it up by using spicy nacho or Cool Ranch Doritos, or I mix in jalapeños or hot sauce with the cream cheese. If I’m short on time, I use rotisserie chicken for the filling. I’ve also made a buffalo version by mixing buffalo sauce into the filling and serving with ranch on the side.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 10–12 minutes to keep the coating crispy. I avoid the microwave because it softens the crust.

FAQs

Can I use flavored cream cheese?

Yes, I’ve used garlic and herb cream cheese and even jalapeño cream cheese for extra flavor—it blends beautifully with the shredded chicken.

Will the Doritos coating stay crispy after baking?

It does if I bake it right and use a bit of cooking spray. Reheating in the oven or air fryer also helps maintain the crunch.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the stuffed and coated chicken, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. I let it sit out for 15 minutes before putting it in the oven.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely. The cheesy filling and crunchy Doritos coating make it a hit with kids. I sometimes cut it into strips for easier eating.

Can I air fry instead of bake?

Yes. I cook it at 375°F in the air fryer for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. It comes out extra crispy and cooks a bit faster.

Conclusion

This cream cheese and chicken stuffed Doritos chicken is the definition of fun comfort food. It’s crispy on the outside, creamy and savory on the inside, and packed with bold flavor. When I want something easy that feels totally indulgent, this is the dish I turn to—it’s always a hit, and always leaves the plate empty.