Description
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a crave-worthy dinner featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful blend of sharp cheddar cheese and golden breadcrumbs. Whether baked or pan-fried, the result is a crispy outside with a juicy, well-seasoned inside. It’s perfect for a quick family dinner or a casual gathering when you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter for brushing or drizzling
- Fresh parsley optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness if needed, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of breadcrumbs and cheddar cheese.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into the eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb-cheese mix. Optional: repeat egg and breadcrumb steps for extra crunch.
- Place chicken on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle or brush with olive oil or butter.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
- If pan-frying, cook in a hot skillet with oil or butter over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Cheese Variety: Use mozzarella, gouda, or Parmesan to mix up the flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
- Tenderizing: Pound or tenderize the chicken for even cooking and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: crispy, cheddar, chicken, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy chicken