Description
Crispy cheddar chicken brings golden, cheesy perfection to dinner tables with its irresistible crunch. Home cooks and families will savor each bite of this simple yet mouthwatering main dish that promises comfort and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Cheese and Coating:
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to create a flavor-enhancing seasoning blend.
- Thoroughly coat each chicken breast in milk, ensuring complete coverage for better cheese adhesion.
- Gently press shredded cheddar cheese onto the milk-dampened chicken, creating a thick, even layer of cheese.
- Roll the cheese-covered chicken in breadcrumbs, rotating and pressing to achieve a uniform, crispy exterior.
- Arrange the breaded chicken in the prepared baking dish, maintaining space between each piece for even cooking.
- Drizzle melted butter over the chicken to enhance browning and add rich, golden flavor.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior turns a deep golden brown.
- Allow chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from oven to help retain moisture and set the crispy coating.
- Plate and serve immediately with complementary side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly thick for consistent cooking, using a meat mallet to pound them if needed.
- Replace regular milk with buttermilk for extra tenderness and tangier flavor profile.
- For gluten-free option, swap breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal to maintain crispy texture.
- Try different cheese varieties like sharp white cheddar or pepper jack for unique flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 591 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg