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!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with olive oil.
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.
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.
Take one chicken breast and dredge it in the flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Dip the floured chicken breast into the beaten eggs, coating it completely.
Press the chicken breast into the cheddar-panko mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure an even coating. Repeat the process for all chicken breasts.
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil to help with browning.
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.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Calories |
4062 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 309.9 g | 397% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.3 g | 172% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1084 mg | 361% | |
| Sodium | 4086 mg | 178% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 94.5 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.0 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.5 g | ||
| Protein | 270.9 g | 542% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.8 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 991 mg | 76% | |
| Iron | 15.5 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 2266 mg | 48% | |
*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.