Imagine sinking your fork into a golden, crispy chicken breast that's perfectly seasoned, topped with a luxuriously creamy cheddar sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Crispy Cheddar Chicken is not just another dinner recipe—it's a mouthwatering experience that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds. With a crunchy, cheesy exterior and a decadent cream sauce, this dish proves that gourmet cooking can be simple, quick, and absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a ceramic baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them completely dry with paper towels. This ensures the breading will adhere properly and creates a crispier exterior.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The seasoning will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- In a shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This will create a flavorful coating that adds texture and cheesy richness to the chicken.
- Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and mix thoroughly to help the coating become golden and crisp when baked.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the breadcrumb-cheese mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating adheres completely to all sides of the chicken.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to allow even cooking and crispy edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the cream sauce by heating heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously to prevent scorching.
- When the cream is warm, gradually add the remaining cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and maintain moisture.
- Plate the chicken and generously drizzle the warm cheddar cream sauce over the top just before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness. Moisture is the enemy of a perfect golden crust!
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for the most robust flavor and best melting properties. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- For an extra crispy coating, you can briefly broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to help retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- If you want to add extra flavor, try mixing some dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream in the sauce, though it will be slightly less rich.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 180mg
