Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Zesty Cheesy Crumbed Chicken, a delightful fusion of crispy golden crust, gooey melted cheese, and a refreshing hint of citrus. This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender chicken breasts coated in a zesty breadcrumb mix infused with Parmesan, cheddar, lemon zest, and aromatic Italian seasoning for a mouthwatering bite every time. A quick pan-sear creates a satisfying crunch, while baking ensures juicy, perfectly cooked chicken topped with bubbling cheddar cheese. Finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon, this dish is both comforting and vibrant, making it an ideal main course for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve alongside a crisp salad or roasted veggies for a complete, flavorful meal the whole family will adore. Perfect for lovers of cheesy, citrusy, and crispy chicken recipes!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin for even cooking.
In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs together until smooth. Place the all-purpose flour in a third shallow bowl.
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring they are fully coated, then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
Press each chicken breast firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through.
Transfer the chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Top each piece with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick. Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Calories |
3216 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 135.5 g | 174% | |
| Saturated Fat | 50.6 g | 253% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1105 mg | 368% | |
| Sodium | 5742 mg | 250% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 189.2 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.9 g | ||
| Protein | 301.0 g | 602% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 1738 mg | 134% | |
| Iron | 19.5 mg | 108% | |
| Potassium | 657 mg | 14% | |
*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.