Crispy Cheddar Baked Chicken
Tender chicken breasts coated in a golden, cheesy crust of cheddar, Parmesan, and seasoned panko—baked to crispy perfection without the mess of frying. Ideal for weeknight dinners or a cozy comfort meal!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the Coating:
In a large bowl, combine:
Cheddar cheese
Parmesan cheese
Panko breadcrumbs
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Smoked paprika
Salt and pepper
Mix thoroughly.
Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken breast in melted butter, coating both sides.
Press each buttered chicken breast into the cheese-breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
Bake:
Arrange the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish, spaced slightly apart.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until:
Chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 75°C)
The crust is golden brown and crisp.
Garnish & Serve:
Let rest for a few minutes after baking.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad.
Tips & Variations
Even Cooking: Slice thick chicken breasts in half horizontally.
Extra Crispy: Use freshly toasted panko for better texture.
Heat it Up: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the coating.
Herby Twist: Swap in Italian seasoning or thyme for flavor depth.
Cheese Swaps: Try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or mozzarella for variation.
Light Option: Use olive oil or spray instead of butter.
