This delicious Baked Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy cheddar crust. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions and is sure to become a family favorite. Each bite is full of flavor and texture, thanks to the golden-brown crust and juicy chicken. Furthermore, baking rather than frying makes it a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor. Let’s get into the recipe and see how to make this delectable dish that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Crispy Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to taste on both sides.
3. Prepare the Coating Station:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one containing the all-purpose flour, one containing the beaten eggs, and one containing the shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken breasts into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Press the egg-coated chicken breasts into the shredded cheddar cheese, coating both sides evenly.
5. Make the Crispy Coating:
- In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to combine.
6. Coat the Chicken with Crispy Mixture:
- Press each cheese-coated chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated on all sides with the crispy mixture.
7. Bake the Chicken:
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken breasts with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to help them brown evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the crispy cheddar chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.
9. Enjoy Your Baked Crispy Cheddar Chicken:
- Serve the chicken hot and enjoy the deliciousness of the crispy cheddar crust paired with tender and juicy chicken. It’s a flavor-packed meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in buttermilk or a mixture of yogurt and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes before breading.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning in the crispy coating to suit your taste preferences. Add more or less of the spices listed or experiment with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Leftover crispy cheddar chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until heated through.
Baked Crispy Cheddar Chicken, with its crunchy cheddar crust and juicy chicken, is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. This dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to eat a delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!