The first time I made this Million Dollar Baked Chicken Breast, it was a chilly Sunday and the house smelled like cozy comfort. Bacon sizzling on the stovetop, cream cheese softening beside the window, and my little one sneaking cheese when she thought I wasn’t looking. That first bite? Warm, rich, and packed with everything we love in a family dinner. And just like that, it became a regular at our table.
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Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Baked Chicken Breast
This isn’t your average baked chicken. The name says it all—this Million Dollar Baked Chicken Breast tastes rich and indulgent, but it’s incredibly simple to make. The juicy chicken bakes under a creamy, cheesy blanket that melts into every bite. And that bacon? Crispy and salty, it takes things to the next level.
You only need one pan and a few pantry staples, making it a breeze on busy weeknights. It’s also great for meal prep since it reheats like a dream. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this recipe delivers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything to grab before preheating that oven:
- 8 strips of thick-cut bacon – Crisped to perfection for that smoky crunch
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Trimmed and dried for best texture
- 8 oz softened cream cheese – The creamy base that holds it all together
- ¼ cup mayonnaise – Adds richness without overpowering (Hellmann’s or Duke’s work best)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Mild and melty, for that gooey finish
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – A touch of sharpness for depth
- ¼ cup sliced green onions – Fresh bite to balance the richness
- Salt and pepper to taste
If you prefer turkey bacon, that’s a fine substitute. And if you’re watching calories, you can scale back on the cream cheese.
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Chicken Breast
Let’s walk through this step-by-step. It’s simple, but these little details make a big difference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook your bacon in a skillet until crisp. Let it cool a bit, then chop into small pieces.
- Prep the chicken: Rinse the breasts, pat them dry, and trim off any extra fat. For large pieces, butterfly or pound them to make them even.
- Lay chicken flat in a greased 9×13 baking dish. You want an even layer for even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayo, mozzarella, half the cheddar, green onions, chopped bacon, and a bit of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the mixture over each chicken breast, edge to edge.
- If you’d like a golden top, sprinkle on the rest of the cheddar.
- Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken.
- Garnish with extra bacon and green onions. Serve warm.
Tips for Best Results
- Let your cream cheese sit out for 30 minutes to soften—it mixes easier that way.
- Butterfly or pound thick breasts for more even cooking and quicker bake time.
- A sprinkle of extra cheddar on top before baking gives you a golden, bubbly crust.
- For easy cleanup, line your baking dish with foil or parchment.
If you’re short on time, try making air fryer chicken breasts for a quick and juicy dinner.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
This creamy chicken dish makes fabulous leftovers. Just store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 350°F for 20–30 minutes. This keeps the top from drying out and helps everything heat evenly.
Freezing isn’t ideal here. Cream cheese tends to get grainy after thawing, so it’s best to enjoy this fresh—or within a few days.
For a simple, freezer-friendly dish, you might love my classic baked chicken breast with simple seasoning.
Million Dollar Baked Chicken Breast Recipe Card
PrintMillion Dollar Baked Chicken Breast (Easy & Creamy!)
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Baked Chicken Breast is creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy bacon. This easy dinner is rich, hearty, and perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
8 strips of thick-cut bacon, crisped and chopped
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz softened cream cheese
¼ cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s or Duke’s recommended)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup sliced green onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Crisp bacon in a skillet until browned, then chop.
3. Rinse and pat dry chicken breasts. Trim any excess fat. If needed, butterfly or pound to even thickness.
4. Place chicken in a greased 9×13 baking dish in a single layer.
5. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, mayo, mozzarella, half the cheddar, green onions, bacon, salt, and pepper.
6. Spread the mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
7. Top with remaining cheddar cheese, if desired.
8. Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Garnish with extra bacon and green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing.
Use less cream cheese to cut calories.
Mayo adds richness but doesn’t affect the flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days.
Reheat at 350°F for 20–30 minutes until heated through.
Freezing is not recommended as the cream cheese texture may change.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 586
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 727mg
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 182mg
Related Recipes to Try
Looking for more cozy chicken favorites? You’ll love:
- This creamy crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta—a slow cooker dream
- A plate of slow cooker chicken and gravy for a comforting meal on chilly nights
- Or that quick fix: air fryer chicken breasts for a quick and juicy dinner
And if you want something simple but always reliable, try my classic baked chicken breast with simple seasoning.
Before you go, feel free to pin this recipe or browse my Pinterest boards for even more comfort food favorites!
FAQs
How to know when oven baked chicken breast is done?
Use a meat thermometer! Once the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F, it’s ready. Juices should run clear, and the texture should be firm but juicy.
Why is it called million dollar chicken?
The name hints at its rich, indulgent flavor. With crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and juicy chicken, it tastes like a splurge—even though it’s easy and budget-friendly.
How much time does chicken take to cook on the stove?
It usually takes 7–8 minutes per side over medium heat, depending on thickness. Always check that internal temp for doneness.
Can you freeze million dollar chicken casserole?
Not really. The cream cheese changes texture after freezing and becomes grainy. Best to store in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.