Crispy Cheddar Baked Chicken: The Ultimate Easy, Crispy Dinner

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Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – Chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as thighs may take a little longer.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – The star of the show! I use sharp cheddar for that bold cheesy flavor, but you can use mild cheddar if you prefer a less intense cheese taste.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan adds a salty savory kick to the coating, making the crust even more delicious.
1 cup panko bread crumbs – Panko is key to getting that light crispy texture. It’s much crunchier than regular breadcrumbs, and it makes a huge difference in the final result.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – A pantry staple garlic powder brings a lovely, savory flavor to the crust.
1 teaspoon onion powder – Just like the garlic powder this ingredient helps to round out the flavor of the coating.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika – This adds a subtle smokiness and richness to the chicken which is what takes it from good to great.
½ teaspoon salt – To season the chicken just right.
¼ teaspoon black pepper – A dash of pepper balances out all the other flavors in the coating.
¼ cup unsalted butter melted – The butter is what helps the breading stick to the chicken and gives it that crispy, golden crust. I prefer unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the dish.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional – This is totally optional, but a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a burst of color and freshness to the finished dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

The first thing you’ll want to do is preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the chicken until it’s cooked through and the crust is perfectly crispy. While the oven heats up, lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. This will be the crispy, cheesy coating that gives the chicken its amazing texture and flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Next, you’ll dip each chicken breast into the melted butter. Make sure the chicken is fully coated with butter so that the breadcrumb mixture sticks properly. After dipping the chicken, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides generously. I like to press down a little to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well, giving the chicken that irresistible, crunchy crust.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Place the coated chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Arrange them so they aren’t touching to ensure even cooking. Now, pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the coating should be golden brown and crispy. If you want that extra crispy texture, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but keep a close eye on it to make sure the breadcrumbs don’t burn.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. If you’d like, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Then, slice the chicken and serve it with your favorite sides. I love pairing it with roasted vegetables, a side salad, or mashed potatoes. The crispy, cheesy chicken is flavorful enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.