Cheddar Baked Chicken features tender, juicy chicken tenders coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs and shredded cheddar cheese. They’re baked to golden perfection, with a crispy and cheesy outside. Serve with your favorite side dish and you have an easy, delicious dinner in just over 30 minutes!
Crispy Cheddar Baked Chicken
Looking for something different to do with chicken? Aren’t we all! This cheddar baked chicken recipe is delicious and super easy to make in just over 30 minutes. The chicken is tender on the inside with a crispy, cheesy outside – my family loves it.
All you need is just a handful of simple ingredients, including chicken tenders, panko breadcrumbs, and, my secret ingredient – Rice Krispies. Yep, Rice Krispies! The panko and rice cereal is the secret behind the light, crispy outside on these cheesy chicken breasts. Try this recipe once, and it’ll be on repeat.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Cheesy Chicken Tenders
Why do we love these cheddar baked chicken breasts so much? Here are a few reasons!
- Crispy outside. Thanks to the addition of Rice Krispies and panko breadcrumbs, these chicken breasts are super crispy and crunchy on the outside.
- Cheesy texture and flavor. Shredded cheddar is in the breadcrumb mixture, which not only adds some cheesy texture but also great flavor.
- Perfect for weeknights. These chicken breasts are ready in just 35 minutes, with only 10 minutes of that time being active prep time.
Ingredients Needed
These baked cheddar chicken breasts are made with just a handful of ingredients – including cheddar cheese, of course.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Flour – The base of the breading.
- Seasonings – Garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning add flavor to these cheesy chicken breasts.
- Egg – Helps the breading adhere to the chicken.
- Whole milk – Mixed with the egg.
- Cheddar cheese – This cheddar baked chicken works best with freshly shredded cheese from the block.
- Rice Krispie cereal – The secret to extra crispy chicken! (You can also use crushed up cornflakes cereal, if preferred.)
- Panko breadcrumbs – These give the breading some body without making it feel heavy. They also absorb some of the melted butter.
- Chicken tenders – You can either grab the pre-cut chicken strips or cut chicken breast halves into thin strips.
- Butter – Adds richness and necessary moisture.
How to Make Cheddar Baked Chicken
These cheesy chicken breasts require just a few easy steps to prepare. Then 25 minutes in the oven and dinner is served.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Prepare the seasoning mixtures. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the second, beat together the egg and milk, and in the third bowl, combine the cheese, cereal, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning.
- Dredge the chicken. Coat the chicken tenders in the flour mixture, dip in the egg mixture, and then press into the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange on a greased baking dish and drizzle evenly with butter.
- Bake. Bake at 350F for 22 to 25 minutes, until the outside is golden brown and the chicken’s internal temperature registers 165F.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for making these baked cheddar chicken breasts.
- Make sure the chicken is equal in size. This recipe calls for chicken tenders, which are typically pre-cut to equal size strips. If you use chicken breast halves, make sure you cut the strips roughly the same size as much as possible. This will help ensure they all cook evenly.
- Use freshly shredded cheese. Freshly shredded has such a better, deeper flavor than pre-shredded. Plus, pre-shredded cheese is coated with an anti-caking ingredient that prevents it from melting as easily.
- Press the breadcrumbs on. Be sure to fully press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture so they adhere and don’t just fall off.
- How do I know when my cheesy chicken is ready? The juices should run clear and the internal temperature should reach 165F.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve this cheddar baked chicken with a simple side salad or a veggie, such as roasted broccoli or air fryer corn ribs.
Mashed potatoes, smashed potatoes, or a baked potato would also make a good addition to the dinner.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Fridge. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Reheat. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until heated through. The air fryer is also great for reheating.
- Freezer. You can also freeze these. Once cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe ziploc container. Reheat in the air fryer or oven from frozen.
More Easy Chicken Recipes:
- Chicken Tetrazzini
- Chicken Alfredo
- Sheet Pan Chicken Teriyaki
- Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos
- Chicken Marsala
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Cheddar Baked Chicken
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Rice Krispie cereal
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 pound chicken tenders (about 12 strips)
- 4 tablespoons butter , melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Coat a 10×15 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Set up 3 shallow bowls: 1st bowl – whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder., 2nd bowl – beat together egg and milk. 3rd bowl – mix cheese, cereal, bread crumbs, and Italian seasoning.
- Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture, dip in egg mixture, then press in breadcrumb mixture to coat.
- Arrange coated chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle evenly with the melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven until coating is golden brown and chicken juices run clear with internal temp is 165F, about 22 to 25 minutes.
- Enjoy with a roasted vegetable or a side salad and enjoy!