Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that combines the comfort of crispy oven-fried chicken and the gooey goodness of nacho cheese! Our Nacho Cheese Stuffed Oven Fried Chicken is not just a meal; it's an experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine juicy chicken breasts, lovingly stuffed with creamy nacho cheese, and coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust—this recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Whether you're hosting a game day gathering or simply craving something extraordinary for dinner, this recipe will elevate your cooking game to new heights. Dive into our detailed guide and discover how to create this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice crispy texture.
- Prepare your chicken breasts by placing them on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Make sure to not cut all the way through; you want to create a space to hold the nacho cheese sauce.
- Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- In a small bowl, pour in the nacho cheese sauce. Use a spoon to fill each chicken breast pocket generously with the cheese sauce. Make sure to distribute the cheese evenly among the chicken breasts.
- Once the cheese is inside, gently press the edges of the chicken breast to seal the pocket. You can use toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- In a shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs. You can add extra spices or herbs to the breadcrumbs if desired for additional flavor.
- Carefully take each stuffed chicken breast and coat it in the breadcrumbs, pressing down lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well. Make sure each piece is fully covered.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Once all the chicken breasts are on the baking sheet, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. This will help them brown and crisp up in the oven.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- After 30 minutes, check the chicken. If you want a crispier texture, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the chicken moist.
- Serve your nacho cheese stuffed oven-fried chicken with your favorite sides, such as a fresh salad, rice, or additional nacho cheese sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cheese Sauce: For the best flavor, opt for a high-quality nacho cheese sauce. You can even make your own if you're feeling adventurous!
- Seal the Chicken Properly: Make sure to seal the edges of the chicken pocket well to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking. Toothpicks can be a helpful tool here!
- Customize Your Breadcrumbs: Feel free to mix in some dried herbs or spices into the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor. Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper can add a nice kick!
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only makes cleanup a breeze but also helps the chicken crisp up nicely without sticking.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you love a golden-brown crust, consider broiling the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair your stuffed chicken with extra nacho cheese sauce, salsa, or guacamole for a fun and interactive meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
