The Best Cheddar Baked Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that cheddar baked chicken recipe perfectly delivers.

Cheese lovers rejoice at this mouthwatering culinary creation.

The golden, crispy exterior gives way to tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth.

Each bite promises a burst of savory flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients combine to create a meal that looks like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort.

You’ll be amazed how something so simple can taste incredibly gourmet and satisfying.

Flavorful Ingredients For Cheddar-Coated Chicken

• Chicken: A protein-rich meat that serves as the main component of this delicious baked dish.
• Breadcrumbs: A crispy coating that adds texture and golden-brown color to the chicken.
• Corn Flakes: Provide an extra crunch and enhance the overall coating of the chicken.

• Milk, Eggs: Create a wet mixture that helps the dry coating adhere to the chicken.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Cheddar Cheese: Offers a sharp and tangy flavor to complement the chicken.

• Flour, Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic flavor to the chicken coating.

Chicken-Baking Tools For Cheesy Results

• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking eggs and milk smoothly.
• Shallow Bowl/Plate: Essential for creating and applying the crumb coating.
• 9×13 Casserole Dish: Ideal for baking and serving the chicken.
• Whisk: Helps blend eggs and milk thoroughly.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking Oven: Needed to cook the chicken to golden perfection.

How To Achieve Perfectly Baked Cheddar Chicken

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Turn the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare The Baking Vessel

Melt butter and generously coat the entire surface of a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create Liquid Binding

Whisk milk and eggs together in a medium mixing bowl until completely smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Craft Crunchy Coating

• Breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• All-purpose flour
• Crushed corn flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Step 5: Transform Chicken

Dunk each chicken piece into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then roll completely in the seasoned coating until fully covered.

Step 6: Arrange In Dish

Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the buttered baking dish, ensuring they are not overlapping.

Step 7: Add Final Touch

Dot remaining butter pieces across the top of the chicken for extra richness.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Tips For Crispy Cheddar And Juicy Chicken Every Time

• Crush corn flakes extra fine for an ultra-crispy chicken exterior that stays crunchy even after cooling.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for perfect food safety without overcooking.
• Melting butter in the dish before adding chicken creates a delicious golden-brown bottom layer with extra flavor.
• Replace garlic powder with fresh minced garlic or add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for a flavor twist.
• Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe celiac-friendly.

New Takes On Cheddar Baked Chicken For Adventurous Eaters

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Swap breadcrumbs with grated parmesan cheese and crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Ranch Chicken: Add ranch seasoning and cayenne pepper to the crumb mixture for a zesty flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme into the crumb coating for a Mediterranean-inspired coating.

Ways To Serve Cheddar Chicken That Steal The Show

• Cozy Family Dinner Spotlight: Pair this golden cheddar chicken with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up those delicious pan juices. Crisp Green Companion: Serve alongside a fresh garden salad with light vinaigrette for balanced nutrition and vibrant color contrast. Comfort Side Kick: Roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli or carrots complement the chicken's rich, cheesy crunch perfectly. Weekend Brunch Twist: Transform leftovers into a hearty chicken sandwich with soft bread and tangy mustard spread.

Best Ways To Store And Reheat Cheddar Baked Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist and fresh.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking and preserve crispiness.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like mozzarella, monterey jack, or parmesan for a different flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes to create a celiac-friendly version.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), which ensures it’s safe to eat and properly cooked through.

Cheddar Baked Chicken: A Comfort Food Classic

• Satisfy your craving for a hearty, home-style meal that brings warmth and deliciousness to your dinner table.
• Perfect for home cooks looking to create a restaurant-quality dish with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Elevate a basic protein into a crispy, flavorful masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• A crowd-winning recipe that combines crunchy coating with tender chicken, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Cheddar Baked Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent cheddar baked chicken delivers crispy golden perfection with minimal effort. Sharp cheese and herb-seasoned breading create a mouthwatering meal home cooks can easily prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 6 Boneless skinless chicken breasts

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup Flour
• 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 cup Corn flakes, crushed into crumbs
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 Large eggs
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Milk
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) Butter
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, ensuring an even temperature for consistent cooking.
2. Brush a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter, creating a non-stick surface for the chicken.
3. Whisk milk and eggs together in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended and smooth.
4. Combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, flour, crushed corn flakes, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish, mixing until ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Submerge each chicken piece into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully roll in the seasoned crumb blend to create a complete, crispy coating.
6. Arrange the crumb-covered chicken in the prepared baking dish, strategically placing small butter fragments across the top to enhance flavor and promote golden browning.
7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a rich golden exterior and ensuring chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Notes

• Customize the crumb coating by swapping corn flakes with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice cereal or almond flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Enhance flavor by adding dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for a more complex taste profile.
• Ensure chicken remains juicy by avoiding overcooking; use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked, tender meat.
• Create a lighter version by using Greek yogurt instead of milk in the egg mixture and baking instead of frying to reduce overall calories and fat content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg