Description
This Cheddar Baked Chicken recipe features juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts topped with a flavorful blend of sharp cheddar cheese, garlic, and spices, then baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb crust. A simple, kid-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, customizable with your favorite cheese and served with your choice of sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Topping
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Crust
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the cheese mixture: In a small bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully incorporated.
- Apply the cheese mixture: Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the top of each chicken breast, covering them completely.
- Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a separate bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter to create a crumbly mixture.
- Add the breadcrumb crust: Press the breadcrumb mixture gently on top of the cheese-coated chicken breasts, forming a crispy crust layer.
- Bake the chicken: Place the prepared chicken breasts into the greased baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaching 165°F) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Try substituting the cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor experience.
- Serve this cheddar baked chicken alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
