Description
Crispy cheddar chicken delivers a golden, cheesy delight that elevates weeknight dinners with its irresistible crunch. Cheese-coated breasts bake to perfection, promising a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Breading and Coating:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) plain breadcrumbs
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) freshly shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and coating a baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Create three coating stations using shallow dishes: seasoned flour blend, whisked eggs, and seasoned breadcrumb mixture infused with aromatic garlic powder and smoky paprika.
- Transform each chicken breast through a strategic coating process: first dust with seasoned flour, ensuring complete coverage, then immerse in egg wash, allowing excess to drip off.
- Meticulously roll the egg-coated chicken in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to achieve a uniform, crispy exterior.
- Arrange the fully coated chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish, creating enough space between each piece for even heat circulation.
- Liberally scatter sharp cheddar cheese over the top of each chicken breast, allowing the cheese to melt and create a golden, crispy crust during baking.
- Position the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken develops a rich golden-brown color and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C).
- Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest momentarily, permitting the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Customize coating by using gluten-free flour and panko for those with dietary restrictions.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like parmesan or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Prevent soggy bottom by using a wire rack inside the baking dish to allow air circulation around the chicken.
- Prep ahead by breading chicken earlier and refrigerating until ready to bake, which helps coating adhere better.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg