Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a delightful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a crispy, cheesy crust. Baked to perfection, this dish is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to fried chicken. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a burst of flavor with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil and set aside.
- Season the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard.
- In a third shallow dish, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Coat evenly with the cheddar breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with preferred sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Helpful Tips
- Enhance flavor by adding dried herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture, such as Italian seasoning, dried parsley, or smoked paprika.
- Ensure even coating of each chicken breast with the breadcrumb mixture for a crispy and flavorful crust.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic, comforting meal.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad and a side of garlic bread for a lighter option.
- Add a dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch for extra flavor.
FAQs:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as thighs may cook faster than breasts.
- Can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
- How do I reheat leftovers?
- Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispy texture.
- Can I freeze the breaded chicken before baking?
- Yes, you can bread the chicken and freeze it on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 450-500 calories per serving
Enjoy this delicious and comforting baked chicken dish with its crispy cheddar crust!
Recipe Card
Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked!
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a delightful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a crispy, cheesy crust. Baked to perfection, this dish is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to fried chicken. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a burst of flavor with every bite.
Ingredients
- – 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – 1 cup all-purpose flour
- – 2 large eggs
- – 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- – 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- – 1 cup breadcrumbs
- – 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- – 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- – 1 teaspoon paprika
- – Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- – Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil and set aside.
Season the Chicken:
- – Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Coating:
- – In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.
- – In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard.
- – In a third shallow dish, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika.
Coat the Chicken:
- – Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess.
- – Dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- – Coat evenly with the cheddar breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Bake the Chicken:
- – Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- – Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
- – Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
Serve:
- – Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- – Serve hot with preferred sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.