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Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Crispy Cheddar Chicken
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Crispy Cheddar Chicken features golden, crispy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful sharp cheddar and panko breadcrumb crust. This quick and easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of a crunchy texture and rich cheesy goodness, making it a versatile and family-friendly meal ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for frying) or light oil spray (for baking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Grate sharp cheddar cheese. Set up three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated cheddar, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the coating adhere better.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the egg wash, ensuring the surface is fully covered. Press firmly into the cheddar-panko breadcrumb mixture, making sure every part of the chicken is coated for maximum crunch and flavor.
  3. Cook to Golden Perfection: For frying: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheddar crust is crispy and bubbling. For baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place coated chicken on a greased baking sheet or wire rack, lightly spray with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp and cooked through.
  4. Rest Before Serving: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly and keeps the crust crisp, ensuring every bite is flavorful and crunchy.

Notes

  • Pat the chicken dry before coating to improve adhesion and maximize crispiness.
  • Use sharp cheddar for the best balance of flavor and melting quality.
  • Press the breadcrumb coating firmly onto the chicken to avoid patchy coverage and create a sturdy crust.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to ensure even browning and crispiness.
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • To keep the chicken crispy when reheating, warm it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes instead of using a microwave.

Nutrition

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