Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Cheesy: The combination of cheddar cheese and crispy panko breadcrumbs creates a golden, savory crust.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, this dish comes together quickly.
• Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 35-40 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
• Kid-Friendly: The crunchy coating and cheesy flavor will be a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
2. Mix Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip and Coat: Pour the milk into another shallow bowl. Dip each chicken breast into the milk, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, ensuring the chicken is well-covered on all sides.
4. Arrange for Baking: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.
5. Bake: Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

• Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination of your favorites.
• Add Spice: Spice up the coating by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Add Veggies: Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a more complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work well. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can coat the chicken and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

How do I keep the coating crispy?

Avoid covering the chicken while it bakes to ensure the coating remains crisp.

Conclusion

Crispy Cheddar Chicken is an easy and delicious way to elevate your chicken dinner routine. With a cheesy, crispy crust and juicy chicken inside, this dish is a family favorite that’s perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal!