Crispy Cheddar Chicken: A Cheesy, Crunchy Delight for Beginner Cooks
Crispy baked cheddar and cracker crusted chicken, a simple and flavorful meal perfect for any night. Enjoy the crunchy, cheesy coating and tender chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Baking, Coating
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup flour (gluten-free option available)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheese cracker crumbs or panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free option available)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken with onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This adds flavor to the chicken.
- Prepare the Coating Stations: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of shredded cheddar and cracker crumbs. This makes the coating process efficient.
- Dredge in Flour: Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off excess. This helps the egg adhere to the chicken.
- Dip in Eggs: Dip the floured chicken in beaten eggs. This acts as a binder for the cheesy coating.
- Coat with Cheese and Cracker Crumbs: Press the egg-dipped chicken into the shredded cheddar and cracker crumbs, ensuring it’s fully coated. This creates the crispy coating.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken on a rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate, ensuring even crisping.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the cheese has melted, and the crumb coating is golden brown and crispy. This cooks the chicken and crisps the coating.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the chicken to cool slightly before serving. This allows the coating to set and prevents burning.
Notes
- Use a rack for crispy coating.
- Don’t overcook the chicken.
- Prepare coating stations for efficiency.
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Experiment with different cheeses and herbs.