Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly golden, cheese-crusted chicken breast that's so crispy it crackles with every bite, yet remains incredibly juicy inside. This isn't just another chicken recipe - it's a flavor explosion that will transform your weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary! Our Crispy Baked Cheddar Chicken delivers restaurant-quality taste right from your own kitchen, with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps ensure a crispy coating.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- If the chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures uniform cooking.
- Coat each chicken breast completely in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere firmly to the chicken.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece to allow hot air circulation.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices and ensures the chicken remains moist.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or serve with a side of ranch or honey mustard dressing for added flavor.
Tips
- Always pat chicken dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and help the breading stick better.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melting and flavor - pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- For extra crunch, consider adding panko breadcrumbs to your regular breadcrumb mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out.
- Let the chicken rest after baking to help redistribute juices and maintain moisture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding parmesan or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 389kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 41g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 115mg
