Description
This Cheddar Baked Chicken recipe features tender chicken tenders coated in a flavorful, crispy cheddar and breadcrumb crust. Baked to golden perfection, this easy-to-make dish offers a deliciously crunchy exterior with cheesy goodness inside, making it a perfect family-friendly meal that pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad.
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 Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and coat a 10×15 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder mixed together; the second with the beaten egg and whole milk combined; and the third with shredded cheddar cheese, Rice Krispies cereal, panko breadcrumbs, and dried Italian seasoning.
- Bread Chicken: Working one piece at a time, dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour mixture to coat evenly. Next, dip it into the egg and milk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thorough and even coating packed with cheesy and crunchy texture.
- Arrange and Drizzle: Place all the coated chicken tenders evenly in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of each piece to help achieve a golden and crispy finish during baking.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the cheddar baked chicken hot. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad for a complete and balanced meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of baking—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rice Krispies add a unique crunch, but you can substitute with crushed cornflakes if desired.
- To make it lower fat, substitute butter with olive oil or a cooking spray.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
