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
Scale
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
