Description
Indulge in the decadence of Million Dollar Chicken, a dish that lives up to its name! Juicy chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy, cheesy topping loaded with crispy bacon, crunchy almonds, and savory seasonings. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself to an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Place a large baking sheet on the middle rack to heat as the oven preheats.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Tear off a large sheet of parchment paper.
- Place one chicken breast in a zip-top bag, remove air, and seal.
- Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound the chicken to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Season the flattened chicken with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Make the Topping:
- In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add the cheddar cheese, bacon, almonds, garlic powder, and half of the sliced green onions. Stir to combine.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each piece of chicken.
- Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and place it on a heatproof surface.
- Transfer the chicken onto the hot baking sheet using the parchment paper.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Place the baking sheet back in the oven.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining green onions over the chicken before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or a low oven to retain moisture.
- Customizations: Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or swap almonds for crushed Ritz crackers for a different crunch.
- Freezing: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked leftovers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American