If you're looking for a meal that's both comforting and easy to make, this Cheddar Baked Chicken is a great choice. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy coating, and cheesy goodness makes it a hit at any dinner table. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen. Plus, it's versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides.
This Cheddar Baked Chicken is a tasty and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crunchy, cheesy breadcrumb mixture that everyone will love.
INGREDIENTS
- Breadcrumbs: ½ cup, for a crispy coating.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: 6, all about the same size.
- Milk: 1 tbsp, to help the egg mixture stick.
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded, for a cheesy layer.
- Butter: ¼ cup, divided, to grease the dish and add flavor.
- Large eggs: 2, whisked with milk to coat the chicken.
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp, for added flavor.
- Flour: 1 cup, for a crispy texture.
- Salt: 1 tsp, to enhance flavor.
- Corn flakes: 1 cup, crushed, for extra crunch.
- Black pepper: 1 tsp, for seasoning.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and use it to grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Step 2: Make the Coating
- In a bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, flour, crushed corn flakes, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated.
- Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Place the coated chicken breasts into the prepared casserole dish. Top each piece with the remaining butter, cut into small pieces.
- Step 5: Bake
- Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve hot with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350 degrees until warmed through, or microwave individual portions on medium power.
- For a fun twist, try adding different spices to the breadcrumb mixture, such as paprika or Italian seasoning.
Helpful Notes
- You can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Feel free to use any type of cheese you like; mozzarella or Swiss would also be delicious.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
- Jamie Oliver recommends using fresh herbs whenever possible to enhance the flavor.
- Nigella Lawson loves adding a squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken just before serving for a fresh, zesty finish.