Description
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a savory and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful, crispy cheddar cheese crust. This easy-to-make recipe combines the rich taste of melted cheddar cheese with the crunch of breadcrumbs, creating a satisfying texture and burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even as a fun twist on chicken nuggets, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on preference)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added richness)
Ingredient Highlights
- Cheddar Cheese: Grated cheddar adds a rich, tangy flavor and a golden, crispy texture to the chicken.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a light and airy crunch, enhancing the crispy coating without making it too heavy.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and tender, making them the ideal base for this dish.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper help to season the chicken and the crust, making every bite flavorful.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if finishing the chicken in the oven.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are thick, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness (about 1 inch). This ensures even cooking.
- Set Up a Dipping Station: Set up three shallow bowls for breading the chicken:
- In the first bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In the second bowl, beat the eggs.
- In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and grated cheddar cheese together.
Bread the Chicken:
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess egg drip off. Finally, coat it with the breadcrumb and cheddar mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.
Cook the Chicken:
- Pan-Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil (and butter, if using) over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish in the Oven (Optional): If the chicken breasts are thick and need further cooking, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cooked through and crispy on top.
Serve:
- Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 35g