Name: Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch); 1/2 cup melted butter; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

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Crispy Cheddar Chicken is the perfect comfort food—golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with rich, cheesy flavor. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to create a crispy, savory crust that seals in juicy chicken. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and one of those meals I keep coming back to when I want something warm, satisfying, and ridiculously good.

Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms basic chicken breasts into something truly special. Here’s why it’s a go-to favorite in my kitchen:

The cheddar and breadcrumb coating bakes into a perfectly crispy crust.
The inside stays incredibly juicy and flavorful.
It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests.
The ingredients are straightforward—nothing fancy, just delicious.
It pairs beautifully with everything from mashed potatoes to fresh salads.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (I like using panko for extra crunch)
1/2 cup melted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

Directions

1. Preheat and prepare the dish
I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Set up the coating stations
In one bowl, I mix the breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another, I pour in the melted butter.

3. Coat the chicken
I dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, then press it into the cheddar and breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat it well.

4. Bake to golden perfection
I place the coated chicken in the prepared dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crisp.

5. Rest and serve
Once out of the oven, I let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. I love pairing it with roasted veggies or creamy mashed potatoes for a full, comforting meal.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: About 40 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.
Herb Twist: Dried parsley or Italian seasoning adds extra flavor.
Gluten-Free: Swapping in gluten-free breadcrumbs works beautifully.
Cheese Swap: Parmesan or mozzarella are great alternatives if I want to change up the flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To keep the crust crispy, I reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
Freezing: I freeze the uncooked, coated chicken on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, I bake straight from frozen—just adding a few more minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, I like to switch it up with Parmesan or mozzarella for a different taste and texture.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

I press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken after dipping it in butter. It helps the coating stick better and crisp up in the oven.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. I prep and coat the chicken, then refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. It’s great for meal planning.

What should I serve with Crispy Cheddar Chicken?

My favorite sides include mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad. Even buttered noodles work great!

Is it possible to air fry this chicken instead of baking?

Yes, I’ve tried it in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 18–20 minutes. It turns out extra crispy!

Conclusion

Crispy Cheddar Chicken is one of those recipes that always hits the spot. The crispy, cheesy coating paired with tender chicken makes it a comforting classic that never gets old. Whether I’m making it for family dinner or entertaining friends, it’s always a hit—and it’s so easy, I don’t need a special occasion to whip it up.