Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly cut or pounded)
- The chicken breasts are the star of the dish, so you want them to be thinly cut or pounded to ensure they cook evenly and absorb all the creamy, cheesy goodness. The tenderness of the chicken, combined with the rich topping, makes each bite melt in your mouth.
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- Cream cheese provides the perfect base for the cheesy topping, giving it a smooth and creamy texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Mayonnaise adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together. It balances the tangy cream cheese, contributing to the overall smoothness of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon, crumbled (about 8 slices)
- Bacon adds an irresistible crunch and savory flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mixture. It’s the ultimate flavor booster.
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (about 4 onions)
- Fresh green onions bring a burst of color and mild, sharp flavor to the dish. They provide a nice balance to the richness of the bacon and cream cheese.
- 1.5 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- The Colby Jack cheese is essential for that melty, gooey texture. It adds a mild, creamy flavor and helps hold everything together on top of the chicken.
Garnish
- Crumbled bacon
- Green onions
- These garnishes are optional but highly recommended to add an extra layer of flavor and freshness. The crispy bacon bits and green onion slices not only enhance the dish visually but also elevate the flavor profile.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for even cooking and a perfectly golden-brown topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the following ingredients until well combined:
- Softened cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped green onions
- Half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese
Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and the ingredients are evenly distributed. The creamy texture of the mixture should be thick and easy to spread over the chicken breasts.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a baking dish. If you’ve purchased thicker breasts, consider pounding them to an even thickness for quicker and more consistent cooking. The thinner your chicken, the quicker it cooks, and the better it soaks in the creamy cheese topping.
Spread the prepared cheese mixture generously over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Top with the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese, which will melt beautifully during baking.
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 chicken should be cooked through, juicy, and tender. The cheese on top will melt into a gooey, golden layer that adds a delightful finish to the dish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and garnish with additional crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. The final touch will add crunch, color, and a hint of freshness. Serve the Million Dollar Chicken Bake hot, and get ready to enjoy a flavor-packed meal!
Notes
- Cheese: If you don’t have Colby Jack cheese, feel free to use mozzarella, cheddar, or even Monterey Jack. Each cheese will give a slightly different flavor and texture, but they all work well in this dish.
- Bacon Alternatives: For a healthier version, you can substitute turkey bacon or even use pancetta. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you could skip the bacon entirely or use a plant-based bacon substitute.
- Mayonnaise Substitute: If you’re not a fan of mayo, you can swap it for sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even ranch dressing for a different flavor profile.
- Chicken Variations: While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can easily use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or bone-in chicken for a more rustic feel.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes