Cheddar Baked Chicken Recipe

This Cheddar Baked Chicken is a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner! Imagine tender chicken tenders coated in a crunchy, cheesy breadcrumb and cereal crust, baked to golden perfection in the oven. This recipe is simple to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a satisfying and delicious meal that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Cheesy: The combination of panko breadcrumbs, Rice Krispies cereal, and shredded cheddar cheese creates a unique and satisfyingly crunchy crust that’s packed with cheesy flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, even for beginner cooks. With just a few basic steps and readily available ingredients, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.
• Healthier Baking Method: Baking the chicken instead of frying it makes this a healthier option, as it requires less oil.
• Versatile: Serve this Cheddar Baked Chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. It’s also great for meal prepping or using the leftover chicken in sandwiches and wraps.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders: Use high-quality chicken tenders for the best flavor and texture. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips, but make sure the strips are roughly the same size for even cooking.
• All-purpose flour: Used to dredge the chicken and create a base for the breading.
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: Seasonings to enhance the flavor of the chicken and flour mixture.
• Egg: Beaten with milk to create an egg wash that helps the breading adhere to the chicken.
• Whole milk: Adds richness and helps to create a smooth egg wash.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a cheesy flavor and helps to bind the breading.
• Rice Krispies cereal: Crushed and adds a crispy and crunchy texture to the breading.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create a light and crispy crust.
• Dried Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of classic Italian herbs to the breading.
• Melted butter: Drizzled over the chicken for added richness and flavor.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Cheddar Baked Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 10×15 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three shallow bowls for breading:

1. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. In the second bowl, beat together the egg and milk.
3. In the third bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, crushed Rice Krispies cereal, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.

Step 3: Coat and Bake the Chicken

Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg wash, and finally press it into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the chicken.

Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Serve

Remove the baking dish from the oven and serve the Cheddar Baked Chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a side salad.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use high-quality chicken: For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality chicken tenders.
• Evenly sized chicken: If using chicken breasts, cut them into strips that are roughly the same size as the chicken tenders to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the baking dish to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Use a meat thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Make ahead: You can bread the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

How to Serve

This Cheddar Baked Chicken is delicious with a variety of sides:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy and colorful touch.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for baked chicken.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cheddar Baked Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken tenders?
Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and forgiving than chicken breasts, so they’re a great option for this recipe. Cut them into bite-sized pieces before breading and baking.

2. Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite breadcrumbs, such as panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, or even crushed Ritz crackers.

3. Can I make this recipe without the cheese?
Yes, you can! The cheese adds a delicious flavor and helps to bind the breading, but you can omit it if you prefer.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the chicken or breading?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as paprika, onion powder, or dried herbs.

This Cheddar Baked Chicken Recipe is a simple, flavorful, and crispy way to enjoy a classic dish. With its easy preparation, versatile serving options, and cheesy goodness, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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