Description
Crispy cheddar chicken delivers a golden-crusted delight that marries tender chicken with sharp cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs. Savor this classic comfort dish that promises a satisfying meal with each perfectly seasoned, crisp bite you’ll enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and optimal chicken presentation.
- Create a flavorful coating by thoroughly blending shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a wide, shallow mixing vessel.
- Establish a simple dipping station with milk in one container and the seasoned cheese-breadcrumb mixture in another, ensuring each chicken breast receives maximum flavor coverage.
- Gently submerge each chicken piece into milk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then meticulously press the cheese-breadcrumb mixture onto the surface, guaranteeing a complete and even coating.
- Strategically position the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining adequate spacing to promote uniform crisping and prevent moisture accumulation.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes, monitoring the chicken’s internal temperature until it reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) with a golden, crunchy exterior.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a burst of color and herbal freshness to the dish.
- Plate the crispy cheddar chicken alongside complementary sides like roasted seasonal vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a vibrant garden salad for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are uniformly thick for consistent cooking, using a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness.
- For gluten-free adaptation, swap panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond flour.
- To prevent soggy coating, place chicken on a wire rack while baking to allow air circulation and maintain crispiness.
- Experiment with cheese variations like sharp white cheddar, smoked gouda, or parmesan for unique flavor profiles and exciting texture variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 442
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 104mg