Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for depth)
- ½ tsp onion powder
For the “Million Dollar” Topping:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cooked bacon bits (or crispy pancetta)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
To Finish:
- Extra cheddar or parmesan for topping
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.
Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the chicken, skin side down, for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 2–3 minutes. This step helps lock in moisture and gives the skin a nice head start on crisping.
Once seared, transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the “Million Dollar” Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Shredded cheddar and mozzarella
- Bacon bits
- Chopped green onions
- Garlic powder
Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed. The result should be a thick, creamy, cheesy mixture.
Step 4: Top the Chicken
Spoon the cream cheese mixture generously over each piece of chicken, covering the top completely. Don’t worry if some spills over—it will bake beautifully and flavor the entire dish.
Sprinkle a little extra cheese (cheddar or parmesan) on top for a golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil and continue baking.
For extra golden goodness, broil on high for the last 2–3 minutes—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Million Dollar Chicken is rich and filling, so serve it with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans or asparagus
- A crisp garden salad
- Crusty bread to scoop up any leftover sauce
Tips for Success
- Use softened cream cheese to make mixing easier.
- Don’t skip the sear if you like crispy skin—it really enhances texture and flavor.
- Try variations by adding a bit of hot sauce to the topping for spice or using different cheese blends.
- This dish also works well with boneless chicken, but adjust the cooking time accordingly (about 25–30 minutes).
Final Thoughts
“Million Dollar Chicken” earns its name not through extravagance, but by transforming humble ingredients into something that tastes undeniably luxurious. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s worth its weight in flavor gold.
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