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Tasty Cheddar Chicken Bake

Category: Lunch

Here you get juicy chicken breasts wrapped in a crunchy shell made from sharp cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs. First, the chicken is dipped in a simple egg wash then rolled in a tasty blend of cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices like paprika and garlic powder. It bakes at 400°F, getting a crisp golden outside but staying juicy inside. Great served with fresh salad or roasted veggies, the cheddar-panko cover adds a nice crunch and deep flavor that turns plain chicken into a hearty meal.

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Dana
Recipe Created By Dana
Last updated on Thu, 02 Oct 2025 18:09:04 GMT
Plate with crunchy cheddar-covered chicken and sauce Save
Plate with crunchy cheddar-covered chicken and sauce | chefsnaps.com

This crunchy cheddar chicken mixes melty cheese with golden crispy breadcrumbs all wrapped around tender chicken breasts. It’s an easy dish that’s tasty and full of fun textures plus a burst of sharp cheddar to brighten up your meal.

One day I threw this together craving some comfort food and was surprised how fast it became a family favorite. The cheesy crust feels fancy without weighing you down.

Needed Ingredients

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: these make the crunch way better than usual crumbs
  • 2 large eggs: help stick the coating to the chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: pick breasts similar in size so they cook evenly
  • Seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper: these add a nice savory touch and a bit of warmth
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: fresh grated for the best sharp taste
  • 2 tablespoons milk or water: thins the egg mix so it coats the chicken nicely

Step-by-Step Cooking

Crispy cheddar chicken piece with sauce.
Crispy cheddar chicken piece with sauce. | chefsnaps.com

I always pick cheddar here because it melts so well and gives that sharp punch against the mild chicken. Once I served this at a family dinner and everyone couldn’t stop talking about the crunchy crust.

How to Store

Swaps and Twists

Sides That Work

Seasonal Changes

Crispy cheddar chicken with gooey egg yolk.
Crispy cheddar chicken with gooey egg yolk. | chefsnaps.com

Once this dish is part of your kitchen go-to, you'll always have a cozy meal ready that feels special without much fuss. The crunchy cheddar coating always makes dinner fun and delicious.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ What makes the chicken crust so crunchy?

The crispy crust comes from mixing cheddar cheese with panko breadcrumbs, which bakes up golden and crunchy for great taste and texture.

→ Can I swap cheddar for other cheeses?

Sure, you can try mozzarella or Parmesan but sharp cheddar melts well and gives a great flavor balance.

→ How do I keep the chicken moist inside?

Using egg wash before the crust and baking at 400°F locks in the juice, while the crust acts like a seal to keep it tender.

→ Which spices make the crust flavorful?

Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper make it tasty. Adding a bit of cayenne can give it a nice little kick.

→ How can I tell when the chicken's done?

Check that the inside hits 165°F (74°C); that means it’s cooked safely and stays juicy.

→ Is it possible to prepare this ahead?

Definitely, you can coat the chicken and pop it in the fridge for a bit before baking to make things easier later.

Cheddar Crunch Chicken

Baked chicken breasts with a crispy coating of sharp cheddar and panko for a nice golden touch.

Preparation Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Recipe Created By: Dana

Type of Recipe: Lunch

Cooking Skill Level: Simple for Beginners

Cuisine Style: American

Serving Amount: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Chicken

01 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (around 680 grams)

→ Breadcrumbs and Cheese

02 100 grams panko breadcrumbs
03 100 grams shredded sharp cheddar

→ Egg Mix and Spices

04 2 big eggs
05 30 ml milk or water
06 1 teaspoon salt
07 1 teaspoon paprika
08 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Detailed Preparation Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 02

Beat together eggs and milk in a bowl until smooth.

Step 03

Stir the cheddar, panko, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper together in another bowl.

Step 04

First dip each chicken breast in the egg mix, then cover completely with the breadcrumb and cheese blend.

Step 05

Place your chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and done (74°C inside).

Helpful Tips

  1. Try adding a little cayenne pepper to the coating for more kick.
  2. Make sure the chicken hits 74°C inside so it's safe to eat.
  3. Serve this with a crisp salad or some roasted veggies for a nice meal.

Essential Kitchen Tools

  • Oven
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet

Allergy Information

Always check labels for allergens and reach out to a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has dairy, eggs, and gluten

Nutrition Information (Per Portion)

Nutrition facts are provided for reference and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fat Content: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 25 grams
  • Protein Content: 45 grams