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.