There’s something magical about a perfectly crispy, cheesy chicken—and this Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe is exactly that! Think tender chicken breasts, coated in a crunchy, flavorful breadcrumb mixture, then baked to golden perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This is the kind of meal that satisfies the craving for something crispy, cheesy, and comforting all at once.
It’s a fantastic choice for family dinners, and it’s easy enough for busy weeknights. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food? Let’s dive into how to make it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Crunchy – A golden, crisp coating that’s hard to resist.
- Cheesy Goodness – The melted cheddar adds a deliciously rich and savory layer.
- Quick & Easy – Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
- Kid-Approved – A meal that the whole family will love (even picky eaters!).
Ingredients
(Full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!)
For the Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Flour – For coating the chicken before dipping.
- Egg – To help the breadcrumbs stick.
- Panko breadcrumbs – For that ultra-crunchy coating.
- Cheddar cheese – Shredded, for that melty, cheesy topping.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a touch of sharpness and flavor.
- Garlic powder – For a savory depth of flavor.
- Salt & pepper – To taste.
For the Coating
- Paprika – Adds color and a subtle smoky flavor.
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning – For a touch of herbiness.
- Olive oil – To help the crust crisp up nicely when baking.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prep the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Stations
Set up three shallow bowls:
- In the first, add flour.
- In the second, whisk egg with a tablespoon of water.
- In the third, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure to shake off the excess. Then dip into the egg, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure a thick, even coating.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the breaded chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet. Lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even crisping. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
Step 5: Add the Cheddar
In the last 5 minutes of baking, top each chicken breast with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven to melt the cheese and finish baking.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Once the chicken is perfectly crispy and cheesy, remove it from the oven. Serve hot and enjoy the crunchy, cheesy goodness!
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Panko is Key – Use panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest texture.
- Use Thin Chicken Breasts – If your chicken breasts are thick, consider cutting them in half horizontally or using a meat mallet to flatten them for even cooking.
- Double-Crumb for Extra Crunch – For an even crispier coating, dip the chicken back into the egg and breadcrumbs for a second layer.
- Grill Instead of Bake – If you prefer grilling, this chicken can also be grilled for a smoky flavor.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Cheese Variations – Swap out cheddar for mozzarella or monterey jack for a different cheesy twist.
- Use Chicken Thighs – Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs also work wonderfully for this recipe.
- Add Spices – Add a little cayenne pepper or chili powder if you like a bit of heat.
- Make it Gluten-Free – Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- Mashed Potatoes – A classic pairing for crispy chicken!
- Steamed Vegetables – Roasted broccoli or green beans add a light, healthy touch.
- Rice Pilaf – A side of rice brings balance to this cheesy chicken dish.
- Side Salad – Fresh greens with a tangy vinaigrette add brightness.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store: Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken (without cheese) for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven for the best crispy texture. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken before starting the recipe, as frozen chicken won’t cook evenly.
2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
4. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
In Conclusion
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a winner every time—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy and impress.
What’s your favorite crispy chicken recipe? Let me know!
Print
Crispy Cheddar Chicken – A Golden, Cheesy Delight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (normal) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crispy, golden crust with a cheesy cheddar twist. This simple yet delicious dish will have everyone asking for seconds, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, served with your favorite sides or over a bed of mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes (or breadcrumbs for a different texture)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the cheddar cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Step 4: Finish in the Oven
- Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve the crispy cheddar chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Notes
- Cornflake Crunch: You can substitute crushed breadcrumbs for a finer texture, or use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy coating.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle the chicken with hot sauce before baking for a spicy kick.
- Serving Suggestions: This chicken pairs wonderfully with vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side of rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg