Description
Million Dollar Baked Chicken Breast is a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish featuring boneless skinless chicken breasts topped with a rich blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and green onions. Baked to perfection in the oven, this family favorite offers juicy, flavorful chicken with an irresistibly creamy topping, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–6 pieces)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (1 brick)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s or Duke’s recommended)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve ¼ cup for topping)
- 8 strips thick-cut bacon, crisped and chopped
- ¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C / Gas Mark 4). Lightly grease a baking dish with oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Trim any excess fat. If the breasts are thick, butterfly or pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides well with salt and pepper, then arrange the chicken in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the cheese topping: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup of shredded cheddar, chopped crispy bacon, sliced green onions, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble: Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheddar on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes to let juices redistribute. Garnish with additional green onions or bacon if desired before serving.
Notes
- Butterflying or pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
- Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispness.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
- For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise or omit the bacon.
