Crispy Cheddar Baked Chicken

There’s something irresistible about crispy, golden-brown chicken, and this Crispy Cheddar Baked Chicken takes it to a whole new level. Imagine perfectly seasoned chicken, coated with a crunchy, cheesy crust that’s got just the right balance of savory and sharp cheddar flavor. And the best part? It’s baked, so you can enjoy that satisfying crunch without all the deep-frying fuss. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress your guests with something both comforting and delicious. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one bite!

Why You’ll Love Crispy Cheddar Baked Chicken

This recipe isn’t just about the flavor—it’s about the experience of biting into that crispy, cheesy crust and savoring every juicy bite of chicken. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a family favorite:

Crispy Perfection

The golden, crispy coating is what makes this chicken so addictive. It’s achieved by combining panko breadcrumbs and cheddar cheese, creating that perfect crunchy exterior that holds all the juicy goodness inside.

Cheesy Goodness

Sharp cheddar adds a rich, savory flavor to the crust, making every bite pop with cheesy goodness. It’s cheesy without being overpowering, letting the chicken shine through.

Baked, Not Fried

This chicken gets all its crispy glory from baking, not frying. That means you get the crispy texture you crave without the excess oil and mess. It’s a lighter, healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor!

Easy and Quick

This recipe is simple to make and doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Family-Friendly

This crispy chicken is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients in Crispy Cheddar Baked Chicken

Here’s what you need to create this cheesy, crispy masterpiece:

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect base for this recipe. They cook evenly and stay juicy inside the crispy coating.

Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, giving your chicken that satisfying crunch.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese adds the irresistible cheesy flavor to the crust. It melts beautifully, creating a crispy, cheesy layer around the chicken.

Parmesan Cheese

Grated Parmesan adds a nice depth of flavor and a little extra crispiness to the breading.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder adds a savory, aromatic flavor that brings out the best in the chicken and crust.

Paprika

Paprika adds a mild smokiness and a lovely color to the chicken’s crust.

Salt and Pepper

A pinch of salt and pepper helps bring all the flavors together.

Eggs

Eggs act as a binder to help the coating stick to the chicken and give it that crispy texture when baked.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 16g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 39g

Instructions

Ready to make the crispiest, cheesiest baked chicken? Here’s how:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Breading Station

In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated cheddar, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the ingredients are evenly mixed.

3. Dredge the Chicken

In another bowl, whisk the eggs. Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, making sure it’s coated on both sides. Then, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.

4. Bake the Chicken

Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Slice it up and serve with your favorite sides!

How to Serve Crispy Cheddar Baked Chicken

This crispy chicken is so versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are a few ideas:

With Mashed Potatoes

The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs wonderfully with the crispy chicken. Add a little gravy for extra flavor.

Roasted Vegetables

Serve this chicken with a side of roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini for a healthy and colorful plate.

Fresh Salad

A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chicken.

Rice Pilaf

Serve the chicken alongside a fluffy rice pilaf for a hearty, satisfying meal.

With a Dipping Sauce

For an extra flavor boost, try serving this chicken with a side of ranch dressing, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for dipping.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure your Crispy Cheddar Baked Chicken turns out perfectly every time:

Use a Meat Thermometer

To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that it’s reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is juicy and safe to eat.

Customize the Seasoning

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or throw in some Italian seasoning for an herby twist.

Make It Ahead

You can prepare the chicken ahead of time, bread it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This can help the coating stick even better and save time when you’re ready to cook.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Make sure there’s space between each chicken breast on the baking sheet so they cook evenly and crisp up nicely. If you need to bake in batches, that’s okay!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

A1: Yes! You can use bone-in chicken, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken typically takes a little longer to cook, so you may need to bake it for 35-40 minutes.

Q2: Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar?

A2: Absolutely! You can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack. Keep in mind that different cheeses may melt differently, but they’ll all add great flavor.

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A3: Yes! Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’re good to go.

Q4: Can I freeze the breaded chicken before baking?

A4: Yes! You can freeze the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and transfer it to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q5: Can I air fry this chicken instead of baking?

A5: Yes! To air fry, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

Q6: How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

A6: For an extra crispy crust, you can spray the chicken with a little cooking spray or drizzle it with melted butter before baking.

Q7: Can I use skinless, bone-in thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A7: Yes! Skinless, bone-in thighs would work wonderfully for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer than breasts.

Q8: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A8: Store leftover crispy cheddar baked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness.

Q9: Can I make this chicken spicier?

A9: Yes! You can add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture to give it a spicy kick.

Q10: Can I use this recipe for chicken tenders instead of breasts?

A10: Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken tenders. They’ll still turn out crispy and delicious!

Conclusion

This Crispy Cheddar Baked Chicken is a winner in every way—crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. With minimal prep and baking time, you’ll have a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying, without the deep-frying hassle. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or something to impress your guests, this chicken is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!

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