Cheddar Baked Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s comfort food with a fun twist, this Cheddar Baked Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Juicy chicken tenders get a crunchy, savory coating loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, crispy Rice Krispies, and panko breadcrumbs, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect harmony of creamy, crunchy, and cheesy that everyone at the table will adore, plus it’s quick enough for busy weeknights but fancy enough to impress company. Once you taste this, it’s hard not to make it a family favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheddar Baked Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role in creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the simple all-purpose flour that helps the coating stick, to the zesty Italian seasoning that adds a touch of herbaceous brightness, each element comes together to make magic happen in your oven.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Acts as the first layer to help the coating cling to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle, warming kick to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a delicious savory depth that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- 1 large egg: Binds the coating to the chicken and keeps everything moist.
- 2 tablespoons whole milk: Lightens up the egg wash for an even coating.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that adds irresistible cheesiness and flavor.
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal: Surprising yet brilliant for an extra crunch without heaviness.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Brings crunch and a lovely texture contrast.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Lends an herby, Mediterranean flair to the coating mix.
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 12 strips): Tender, fast-cooking chicken perfect for this recipe.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the crust turn golden and crisp.
How to Make Cheddar Baked Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare your baking dish by coating a 10×15 inch pan with nonstick spray so the chicken won’t stick and cleanup is a breeze. Getting this ready early makes a big difference.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Organize three shallow bowls for an efficient breading process. In the first, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for your dry base. The second bowl will hold the beaten egg combined with milk, creating a smooth slip for the coating to bind. The third bowl is where all the exciting texture lives—combine shredded cheddar, Rice Krispies, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
One tender at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture; it creates that essential dry layer that helps the egg stick. Then dip each piece into your egg and milk wash, coating thoroughly, before pressing it into the cheesy, crunchy breadcrumb mix. Make sure each strip is fully coated for maximum flavor and crunch.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your breaded chicken tenders evenly in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle them with melted butter—this little step elevates browning and richness. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the chicken is beautifully golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The result? Crispy, cheesy crust with tender chicken inside, ready to wow your taste buds.
How to Serve Cheddar Baked Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkle a pop of green and freshness that balances the richness of the cheddar crust. A squeeze of lemon also adds a bright contrast that takes the flavors up a notch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, colorful sides like roasted vegetables or a crisp salad. The freshness and lightness in these sides cut through the richness of the cheddar into a perfectly balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or creamy coleslaw are also fantastic if you’re aiming for comfort food heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken tenders on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of homemade ranch or honey mustard for dipping. For a casual twist, load them into soft buns with lettuce, tomato, and extra cheese for a gourmet chicken sandwich experience. Presentation is part of the fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cheddar baked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the coating dry by allowing the chicken to cool completely before refrigerating maintains the best texture upon reheating.
Freezing
If you want to keep this deliciousness for longer, freeze the cooled chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months, making meal prep effortless.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your chicken in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10-15 minutes to bring back that glorious crispiness. Microwaving is faster but can make the crust soggy, so it’s best for when you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides cheddar?
Absolutely! While cheddar is the star here, you can experiment with mozzarella for a milder melt or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just keep in mind that the cheese’s texture and flavor will influence the final dish.
What if I don’t have Rice Krispies cereal?
If you don’t have Rice Krispies on hand, crushed cornflakes or more panko breadcrumbs can stand in as a crunchy alternative. The cereal adds a unique light crisp, but other ingredients can work well too.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! The cheddar flavor and crispy coating make this chicken very kid-friendly. It’s a great way to sneak in some home-cooked goodness while pleasing even picky eaters.
Can I bake this chicken at a higher temperature for faster cooking?
Baking at 350°F is ideal for even cooking and crispy coating, but if you’re short on time, 375°F can work—you’ll just want to watch closely so it doesn’t dry out or burn.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the easiest way: the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, ensure the juices run clear and the coating is golden brown.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Baked Chicken Recipe is pure joy on a plate—easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding the family or looking for a cozy dinner that feels a little extra special, this dish delivers every single time. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe box!
Print
Cheddar Baked Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheddar Baked Chicken recipe features tender chicken tenders coated in a flavorful crispy crust made from cheddar cheese, Rice Krispies cereal, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, then baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Main Ingredient
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 12 strips)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly coat a 10×15 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent the chicken from sticking during baking.
- Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour, salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. In the second bowl, beat the egg with the whole milk. In the third bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, Rice Krispies cereal, panko breadcrumbs, and dried Italian seasoning.
- Bread the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and dredge it first in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then dip the floured chicken into the egg and milk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the cheddar and breadcrumb mixture, coating it evenly and thoroughly.
- Arrange and Drizzle with Butter: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the coated chicken pieces to help them brown and crisp during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. This crispy cheddar baked chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Substitute Rice Krispies with crushed cornflakes or crushed plain crackers if desired.
- Use chicken breasts cut into strips if chicken tenders are unavailable, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, omit the cheddar cheese and butter or use suitable alternatives.
- Letting the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before baking helps the coating adhere better during cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
