Million Dollar Chicken Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a truly show-stopping chicken dinner that’s almost embarrassingly easy yet worthy of a restaurant, Million Dollar Chicken is your new secret weapon. With juicy, perfectly baked chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, cheesy topping and finished with crunchy bacon and fresh herbs, this dish more than earns its opulent name. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want your family to ask for seconds (and thirds), Million Dollar Chicken delivers pure weeknight luxury with minimal effort and absolute crowd-pleasing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Million Dollar Chicken is in its simplicity—each ingredient has a starring role, building both mouthwatering flavor and that unforgettable, melty texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing!
- Chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on): These lock in moisture, giving you the juiciest, most flavorful base for all that cheesy goodness.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a super creamy coating that keeps the chicken moist and amplifies the richness of the dish.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and another creamy layer—try swapping with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Delivers that classic, melty cheese pull and a touch of sharpness.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Brings a salty, nutty zing that deepens every bite.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory aroma that melds beautifully with the cheeses.
- Onion powder: Gives a sweet, mellow background note that rounds out the flavor.
- Paprika: Lends a little hint of smokiness and color that makes the whole dish pop.
- Salt: Makes every flavor shine, without overpowering the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Crumbled cooked bacon: Brings irresistible crunch, smokiness, and a little luxury!
- Green onions (sliced): Brighten each serving with freshness and a bit of bite.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Perfect for a burst of color and a herbaceous finish.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Having everything set before you begin makes assembling this dish wonderfully stress-free.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Cheese Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is perfectly blended and irresistibly creamy. This mixture is what makes Million Dollar Chicken irresistibly rich and indulgent.
Step 3: Arrange Your Chicken Breasts
Lay the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, skin-side up. Make sure there’s a bit of space between each one—this helps the heat circulate and ensures every piece cooks evenly.
Step 4: Smother with the Cheese Mixture
Spoon the cheesy topping generously over each chicken breast, spreading it all the way to the edges. Don’t skimp! This coating not only keeps the chicken juicy but bakes up golden and bubbly for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Add the Bacon Magic
Sprinkle the crumbled, cooked bacon right over the top. Bacon crisps up as it bakes, adding another layer of savory goodness that really takes Million Dollar Chicken to its star status.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. The goal: perfectly cooked chicken (165°F internal temp), and a bubbling, browned cheesy crust that smells incredible. Let it rest for 5 minutes so all those delicious juices settle in.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Right before serving, shower the chicken with sliced green onions and chopped parsley. These fresh essentials lift all the decadent flavors and add a gorgeous contrast in color.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken
Garnishes
You can’t go wrong with a generous sprinkle of fresh green onions and parsley right before serving Million Dollar Chicken. The fresh herbs bring a pop of green that’s irresistible and frame the gooey, golden cheesy crust in style. For a little extra sparkle, a light dusting of additional Parmesan cheese can add an extra layer of umami magic.
Side Dishes
This dish practically begs to be paired with sides that can soak up every bit of that creamy sauce. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, or buttery steamed rice. For a lighter balance, a simple green salad or lightly roasted broccoli makes a fantastic contrast and rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dinner into a true occasion by serving each piece atop a bed of herbed couscous or wild rice pilaf. For parties, slice the chicken and arrange it, family-style, on a serving platter with extra sauce poured over the top. Or, go rustic: serve right from the baking dish at a potluck for maximum comfort food appeal. You can even use leftovers sliced cold over a crisp salad for a whole new twist on Million Dollar Chicken.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Chicken will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld together even more after a night in the fridge, so don’t be shy about planning for leftovers—they make an exceptional lunch!
Freezing
If you’re prepping ahead or cooking for one or two, you can freeze Million Dollar Chicken. Let it cool completely, then wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy within two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, reheat Million Dollar Chicken in a 350°F oven, covered, until hot throughout—about 15-20 minutes. You can also use the microwave in a pinch, but reheating in the oven helps revive that crispy, bubbly topping everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for Million Dollar Chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless breasts work well, just keep a close eye on cooking time—start checking for doneness around 30-35 minutes, since they’ll cook more quickly and you definitely don’t want to overbake.
Is it possible to prepare Million Dollar Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day ahead. When you’re ready to cook, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the oven time if starting from chilled.
Can I make Million Dollar Chicken with chicken thighs?
Chicken thighs are an excellent alternative, offering even more juiciness and rich flavor. Just adjust the baking time as needed—bone-in, skin-on thighs might take slightly less time than large breasts, so start checking at the 35-minute mark.
What’s the best way to get a crispier topping?
For even more bubbly, golden brown topping, try broiling the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of the bake—just watch closely so the cheese doesn’t burn. It’s a guaranteed way to add that crave-worthy crunch to Million Dollar Chicken.
Can Million Dollar Chicken be made gluten-free?
Great news: this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written! Just double-check your bacon, mayonnaise, and cheese labels to ensure they’re certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities or allergies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s equal parts impressive, cozy, and ridiculously delicious, you have to give Million Dollar Chicken a try. It’s a guaranteed hit every time, and you’ll love how easy it is to serve up rich, creamy, family-approved comfort. Go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to a dish that truly lives up to its name!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the richness of Million Dollar Chicken, a decadent baked chicken dish smothered in a cheesy, bacon-studded topping. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken breasts
For the Topping:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble: Place chicken breasts in the baking dish and spread the cheese mixture over them. Top with crumbled bacon.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light mayonnaise.
- Pair with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
