Cheesy Baked Chicken Recipe – Simple and Crunchy!
Ingredients for Perfect Crunch:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
Instructions for Irresistible Crunch:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish generously with cooking spray or olive oil and set it aside.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring flavorful bites.
3. Prepare three shallow dishes for coating. One for flour, another for whisked eggs and Dijon mustard, and the third for a mix of cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, followed by a thorough coating in the cheddar breadcrumb mixture for that delightful crunch.
5. Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spritz the tops lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for extra crispiness.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through, and the coating achieves a crispy, golden perfection.
7. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to seal in juices and flavors.
8. Serve the Cheesy Baked Chicken piping hot alongside your preferred sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a crisp salad.
Savor every bite of this delectable baked chicken with its irresistible crunchy cheddar crust!
Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes, Total Time: 40-45 minutes, Servings: Serves 4
Expert Tips:
– Elevate flavor by adding dried herbs or spices like Italian seasoning, dried parsley, or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture.
– Ensure each chicken breast receives an even coating of the breadcrumb mixture for uniform crunch and taste.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, ready to be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.