Description
Crispy cheddar baked chicken delivers a golden, cheesy delight that elevates weeknight dinners from mundane to memorable. Crunchy breadcrumb coating and melted cheddar create a mouthwatering experience that draws you into comfort food bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing or lining with parchment paper, then set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking.
- Create a flavorful coating by thoroughly blending shredded cheddar, Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
- Transform each chicken breast by first generously brushing with melted butter, ensuring complete coverage.
- Carefully press the buttered chicken into the cheese-breadcrumb mixture, firmly coating each piece to help the crumbs adhere perfectly and create a robust, crunchy exterior.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish, maintaining adequate spacing between each breast to promote even cooking and crispy edges.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and develops a golden, crisp coating.
- Allow the chicken to rest briefly after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute juices and maintain moisture.
- Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the top before serving alongside complementary sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are uniform thickness by gently pounding them between plastic wrap for even cooking and crispy texture.
- Replace panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Pat chicken completely dry before coating to help breadcrumb mixture adhere better and create maximum crispiness without soggy edges.
- Swap regular cheddar with low-fat or reduced-sodium cheese options for a healthier version without compromising delicious flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 462
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 107 mg