Crunchy Cheddar Chicken Breasts

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with these irresistibly crispy and flavorful Crunchy Cheddar Chicken Breasts! This easy baked chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a golden crust of sharp cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and a perfect blend of seasonings like smoked paprika and garlic powder. The savory crust stays extra crunchy thanks to a quick oven bake, while the addition of olive oil spray ensures a beautifully golden finish without the excess grease of frying. With just 15 minutes of prep time and no-fuss cleanup, this family-friendly dish is perfect for busy evenings. Serve these cheesy, crunchy delights with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear in no time!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 bottle olive oil spray
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with olive oil.

Step 2

Prepare three shallow bowls for dredging. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for quicker and more uniform cooking.

Step 4

Take one chicken breast and dredge it in the flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 5

Dip the floured chicken breast into the beaten eggs, coating it completely.

Step 6

Press the chicken breast into the cheddar-panko mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure an even coating. Repeat the process for all chicken breasts.

Step 7

Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil to help with browning.

Step 8

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden and crispy.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1274.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4062.2

Total Fat 309.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 1083.6mg	0%
Sodium 4085.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 94.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.0g	0%
Total Sugars 4.5g
Protein 270.9g	0%

Vitamin D 113.0IU	0%
Calcium 991.4mg	0%
Iron 15.5mg	0%
Potassium 2266.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.6%

Protein: 25.5%

Carbs: 8.9%