Million Dollar Chicken

What's not to love about million dollar chicken? Juicy chicken breasts are topped with a cream cheese-bacon dip. The whole dish is rich and decadent—as anything with the promise of being "million dollar" should be. Sliced almonds provide a nice crunch and some nutty flavor, and scallions add freshness against the richness of the cheeses and savory bacon. If you like a little more heat, use pepper Jack cheese instead of Cheddar.

Learn how to make million dollar chicken. Finish off the plate with roasted potatoes and broccoli florets, and you've got yourself a dinner so good, you'll feel like a lot of bucks (maybe even a million).

Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken

With cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, bacon, sliced almonds, and seasonings in the mix, it's just impossible not to love this over-the-top chicken dish. To make million dollar chicken, you'll need:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean but tender protein base of the dish.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Seasons the chicken.
• Cream cheese: Adds a creamy tanginess to the topping of the chicken.
• Sharp Cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, cheesy flavor to the topping.
• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness, while helping to bind the topping.
• Thick-cut bacon slices: For a smoky, savory flavor and crisp texture.
• Hot sauce: Adds a subtle heat.
• Garlic powder: For a savory depth.
• Scallions: Brightens the chicken, adding a pop of color and oniony flavor.
• Sliced almonds: For a nutty crunch.

How To Make Million Dollar Chicken

Pounding chicken breasts before topping with a cream cheese mixture means a quick bake time and even cooking. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief outline before you get started:

• Step 1. Prepare oven: Preheat oven with a large rimmed baking sheet inside.
• Step 2. Flatten chicken: Pound chicken to 1/2-inch thickness and transfer to a sheet of parchment paper. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Step 3. Make cream cheese mixture: Stir together cream cheese, Cheddar, and mayonnaise. Stir in bacon, hot sauce, garlic powder, some scallions, some almonds, and remaining pepper.
• Step 4. Top chicken with cream cheese mixture: Spread a bit of the cream cheese mixture over each chicken breast. Remove baking sheet from oven and place parchment with chicken on top.
• Step 5. Bake and serve: Bake until cheese is melted and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Garnish with remaining almonds and scallions and serve.

Million Dollar Chicken Variations

To change up this million dollar chicken, consider these variation ideas:

• Chicken: Swap the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, if preferred. You can also use other types of proteins, including turkey cutlets or pork chops.
• Cheese: Substitute the Cheddar with other types of cheeses, including gouda, Swiss, mozzarella, pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, crumbled blue cheese, and more.
• Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or minced bell peppers to the topping for a boost in nutrients and color.
• Herbs: Add chopped parsley, cilantro, or thyme for additional flavor.
• Spices: Add paprika, cayenne, or other spices as desired.
• Almonds: If needed, you can leave out the nuts or substitute with walnuts, pine nuts, or other nuts as desired. You can also sprinkle the chicken with panko breadcrumbs toward the end of baking for a similar crunch.
• Bacon: Substitute with turkey bacon if needed.
• Scallions: Swap with chives if preferred.
• One-pan meal: Add veggies to the baking sheet, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans, for a full meal in one pan.

Can I Make Million Dollar Chicken Ahead?

To make this dish ahead, assemble as directed, then wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let stand at room temperature on parchment paper while the oven and baking sheet preheats, then transfer to the hot baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few minutes of baking time as needed.

You can also assemble and freeze the chicken for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Million Dollar Chicken

Store leftover million dollar chicken well-wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, covered, in a preheated 350°F oven until hot throughout. You can also reheat in the microwave, if needed.

Leftovers can be served in sandwiches, cut into salads, or sliced over pasta for a delicious lunch or quick dinner option.

What To Serve with Million Dollar Chicken

With its rich, decadent flavor, million dollar chicken pairs well with veggie sides like broccoli florets, green beans, a green salad, sautéed spinach, or other steamed or roasted vegetables. Serve with dinner rolls, garlic bread, mashed or roasted potatoes, rice, or pasta to round out the meal.

More Oven-Baked Chicken Recipes You'll Love

Oven-baked chicken dishes need little prep or cleanup, but always make a delicious, crowd-pleasing weeknight meal:

• Chicken Parmesan Casserole
• Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken
• Chicken-and-Biscuit Casserole
• Baked Caprese Chicken with Green Beans and Corn
• Sheet Pan Greek Chicken with Roasted Potatoes
• Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken
• Oven-Fried Chicken Thighs

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.