Delicious Cheddar Crispy Chicken

Category: Lunch

You've got juicy chicken wrapped in a crunchy mix of sharp cheddar and crispy panko crumbs. The coating’s got garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for a tasty kick. First, the chicken gets dipped in a mix of egg and milk so the crust sticks well. Then it’s baked at 400°F till it’s beautifully golden and crispy. The tender inside with the crunchy cheesy outside makes a simple meal that hits the spot.

Dana
Recipe Created By Dana
Last updated on Wed, 08 Oct 2025 19:42:46 GMT
Cheddar crispy chicken with melted cheese Save
Cheddar crispy chicken with melted cheese | chefsnaps.com

This crunchy cheddar chicken brings cozy vibes and a cheesy pop that you'll love. It’s got a golden crispy outside and juicy inside, making it a top pick for quick dinners during busy nights.

I whipped this up the first time when craving something easy but tasty. Now it’s my go-to when I want a fuss-free meal that feels like a treat.

What You’ll Need

  • Four boneless skinless chicken breasts: pick similar sized pieces so they cook evenly
  • One cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: freshly shredded works best for melty, sharp flavor
  • One cup panko breadcrumbs: gives a light crunch, use plain or lightly salted
  • Two large eggs: acts as a glue to help the coating stick nicely
  • Two tablespoons milk or water: thins out the eggs for easy dipping
  • Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper: layers of savory good stuff
  • Pick fresh chicken and quality cheddar: for the tastiest, best texture results

Step-By-Step Cooking

Crunchy cheddar chicken with melted cheese.
Crunchy cheddar chicken with melted cheese. | chefsnaps.com

This dish always reminds me of warm family dinners, everyone sitting down eager to dig in.

How to Store

Ingredient Swaps

What Goes Well

Close-up of crunchy cheddar chicken piece.
Close-up of crunchy cheddar chicken piece. | chefsnaps.com

This cheddar chicken always livens up dinner with eager smiles all around. A couple minutes resting after baking locks the moistness in every bite. Keep this on hand for a tasty dish you can count on whenever you want.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ How do I get the crust super crispy?

Mixing sharp cheddar with panko crumbs makes the crust light and crunchy. Dipping the chicken in an egg and milk mix before coating helps the crust stick and crisp up in the oven.

→ Can I spice up the crust more?

Definitely! Sprinkle in some cayenne or smoked paprika to your crumb mix for a gentle heat and richer taste.

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

Make sure the chicken hits 165°F (74°C) inside. The crust will be a golden brown and the juices should run clear when you poke it.

→ What should I serve with this chicken?

Try roasted veggies, fresh salad, or some steamed greens. They’ll balance the crispy cheddar chicken perfectly.

→ Can I mix the coating ahead of time?

Yeah, you can mix the cheddar and breadcrumbs and keep it sealed for a day before you bake. Saves time when you're ready to cook.

Cheddar Crispy Chicken

Chicken breasts seasoned and baked with a crunchy crust of cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs that’s full of flavor.

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 (4 chicken breasts)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Chicken

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

→ Breading

02 120 grams panko crumbs
03 240 ml beaten eggs (2 large eggs)
04 120 grams sharp cheddar, shredded
05 30 ml milk or water

→ Spices

06 Salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, all to your liking

Detailed Preparation Steps

Step 01

Turn the oven to 200°C and wait till it's hot all the way through.

Step 02

Stir together the panko crumbs, cheddar, and spices in a bowl until everything is blended.

Step 03

Whisk the eggs and milk in a separate bowl until smooth.

Step 04

Coat each chicken breast fully in the egg mix, then press it into the breadcrumb mix so it sticks well.

Step 05

Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until golden and the thickest part hits 74°C.

Helpful Tips

  1. Try throwing in some cayenne pepper to the crumb mix for a little kick.
  2. Make sure the chicken hits 74°C inside so it's safe to eat.
  3. Serve it with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies to round out your meal.

Essential Kitchen Tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Oven
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Information

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

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