Cheddar Baked Chicken Recipe

Name: Cheddar Baked Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 0.25 cup butter, melted; 0.5 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon milk; 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese; 1 cup crispy rice cereal; 0.5 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs; 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut in half; 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

cup butter, melted
cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup crispy rice cereal
cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut in half
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Coat a medium-sized baking dish with cup of melted butter.
In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In another dish, beat together the egg and milk.
In a third dish, combine the shredded cheese, crispy rice cereal, and Italian seasoned bread crumbs.
Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, then dip them into the egg mixture, and finally press them into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly.
Arrange the coated chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish.
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the chicken.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken juices run clear.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	368	18%
Total Fat	22g	28%
Saturated Fat	13g	65%
Cholesterol	120mg	40%
Sodium	866mg	38%
Total Carbohydrate	20g	7%
Dietary Fiber	1g	3%
Total Sugars	1g	-
Protein	22g	44%
Vitamin C	3mg	4%
Calcium	205mg	16%
Iron	3mg	18%
Potassium	191mg	4%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Cheddar Baked Chicken is a comforting dish that combines the rich, savory flavor of Cheddar cheese with a crispy, golden-brown coating. Its the ideal weeknight dinner for anyone craving a flavorful, easy-to-make chicken recipe.

Origin of Cheddar Baked Chicken

Cheddar Baked Chicken, like many popular American comfort foods, has roots in the broad tradition of oven-baked dishes that aim to make everyday meals special with minimal effort. While the exact origin of Cheddar Baked Chicken is not well-documented, it is clear that the recipe draws inspiration from classic American casseroles and baked chicken preparations. The addition of Cheddar cheese as a main ingredient highlights the use of regional American cheeses, particularly those from the Midwest and Northeast, where Cheddar has long been a staple. The dish has evolved over the years, with many variations incorporating different cheeses, breading ingredients, and flavorings based on personal taste and regional preferences.

Regional Features

This dish is particularly popular in the United States, where Cheddar cheese is a household favorite. The versatility of the recipe allows it to be adapted to various regional tastes. In the Midwest, for example, the dish might be paired with mashed potatoes or corn, while in the South, it could be served alongside collard greens and cornbread. The choice of seasonings and breading ingredients also varies by region, with some opting for a more Italian-inspired approach, incorporating Italian bread crumbs and herbs like basil and oregano. Others may use a more traditional Southern-style breading with cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Cheddar Baked Chicken stands out from other baked chicken recipes due to its distinctive crispy coating made with shredded Cheddar cheese and a crunchy cereal or breadcrumb mixture. Unlike dishes such as baked chicken with breadcrumbs or fried chicken, which typically rely on flour and seasoning, Cheddar Baked Chicken uses cheese to enhance flavor and texture, creating a more indulgent crust. The combination of cereal and cheese also gives it a unique crunch that is hard to replicate in other baked chicken recipes. Additionally, the use of Cheddar cheese provides a creamy, sharp flavor that elevates the otherwise simple ingredients.

Where It's Typically Served

Cheddar Baked Chicken is a popular dish in American households, often served as a weeknight meal due to its simplicity and quick preparation. Its typically paired with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. The dish is also common at family gatherings, potlucks, and casual dinner parties, where its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing nature make it a hit among guests. It can also be found in some restaurant menus that focus on comfort food, particularly in American-style diners or family-friendly eateries.

Interesting Facts

Cheddar cheese is one of the most widely consumed cheeses in the world. It originated in the English village of Cheddar, but today it is produced in many countries.
While traditional Cheddar Baked Chicken uses rice cereal in the crust, some variations replace it with cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers to create different textures and flavors.
In some recipes, the chicken is coated with a mixture of sour cream or ranch dressing before the breading to add an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
The dish can easily be made gluten-free by substituting the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Cheddar Baked Chicken is a popular choice for meal prepping because it stores well and can be reheated without losing its flavor or texture.

Whether you're making it for a quick family dinner or serving it at a larger gathering, Cheddar Baked Chicken offers a delicious, cheesy twist on a classic dish that will satisfy both kids and adults alike. Give it a try, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

FAQ about Cheddar Baked Chicken Recipe

Yes, you can substitute the Rice Krispies with other cereals like Corn Flakes or Panko breadcrumbs. Many users have reported success using both alternatives, with some preferring the flavor and crunch of Panko or Corn Flakes over Rice Krispies.

Leftover Cheddar Baked Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you'd like to preserve the crispiness, consider reheating it in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain the texture.

Yes, you can freeze the baked chicken after it has cooled completely. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with pasta, like Alfredo or marinara sauce, for a complete meal.

To achieve a crispier coating, try broiling the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. Additionally, ensure the chicken is not overcrowded in the baking dish, allowing air to circulate around each piece.

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs will provide a slightly different texture and flavor but should work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Yes, Cheddar Baked Chicken is great for meal prepping. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. It also freezes well for future meals, making it a convenient option for busy weeks.

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. When you're ready to bake, just pop it into the preheated oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's been chilled.

For the best results, reheat Cheddar Baked Chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can cover it with foil to prevent the coating from drying out. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy.

Comments

Mimi

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I have already rated this recipe once before with 5 stars. I just wanted to say that I made it for 17 people when my fiancee' and I went to the beach with his family and my family. There were a few very picky eaters in the bunch but this recipe was a success with them. I cooked 24 pieces of the cheddar chicken for dinner one night and I think there were only 2 or 3 left over. They were very quickly warmed up and eaten for lunch the next day. This is one of the best chicken recipes I have ever used. I would give it 10 stars if I could.

SummerLynn

05/01/2007 03:44:35 PM

Wonderful! I did make a couple of changes to the original recipe though - 1)I used shredded asiago cheese instead of cheddar 2)I baked it for 45 minutes as suggested by others 3) I used Crispix cereal since that was all I had 4) I dredged the raw chicken thru sour cream before the flour mix 5) I didn't use butter on the bottom of the pan, but did over the tops and then added a little more topping. Turned out amazing... my whole family loved it. I served it with noodles and alfredo sauce, but it would be excellent with spaghetti and marinara too. We'll be having this one again!!

Duane

11/13/2023 03:55:24 PM

Pretty good but I don't think the rice crispies add anything to the recipe. They become soft while cooking. I will probably substitute panko the next time I make this recipe.

NiftyMeal4152

03/16/2024 03:44:42 PM

I cooked this yesterday. Followed the recipe. Made 2 changes. I used panko instead of cereal. I drizzled olive oil on the chicken instead of butter for the last step. It was excellent, crispy, golden brown. I will definitely make this again.

Kim Marie

01/21/2024 01:24:01 AM

We liked this recipe. I opted to use panko as another person suggested. It came out great and I would repeat this way again to avoid buying cereal I wouldn’t use. Yummy! I tried to reduce the butter some.

LaLa

06/25/2024 04:08:32 AM

My chicken came out of the oven looking pretty much like the pictures. The directions were easy to follow. And I only tweaked it a bit. One of the reviews said that the Rice Crispy’s were soggy. While considering that they wouldn’t really add much flavor, I opted to use panko instead. I also added a few dashes of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. Really good recipe!

UniqueIce1584

07/12/2022 02:53:59 AM

Turned out AMAZING! I tweaked the recipe and added sour cream and ranch in my egg mixture. Cheese croutons and corn flakes for my cereal mixture! White mozzerella instead of cheddar and parmesan in my flour mixture. A little broil at the end and its a masterpiece!

drprentice

03/27/2024 10:58:50 PM

Wow! This was delicious! The only thing I changed was that I too omitted the rice cereal and I just used 1 cup of Italian seasoned bread crumbs. I used a thermometer to determine doneness (165 degrees F) and it took about 15 minutes longer than the recipe said. I'll definitely make this again. Thank you!!

EdgyOil8630

06/25/2024 07:46:40 PM

I did not hav4e Rice Krispies on hand, didnt want to venture out to the supermarket, so used Corn Flakes and the chicken turned out delicious. I may try using Rice Krispies some time in the future but I really did like the flavor imparted by the Corn Flakes.

LovesToCook25

01/12/2019 11:18:07 PM

This was simple and delicious! I used Panko crumbs with a separate Italian seasoning since I didn’t have seasoned crumbs. Turned out very well. We are making them again tonight with tenderloins. I cook my chicken at 425° for about 25 min. This keep the chicken moist.

Lydia Pace Workman

07/16/2023 08:49:31 PM

This has become one of my family's favorite recipes. I substituted grated Reggiano and Panka instead of the breadcrumbs and rice krispies. Aside from that I did not change anyhing else

Braeden

07/16/2025 01:20:46 PM

So good and easy!

John DeCapua

05/19/2025 10:44:15 PM

I've been making this recipe for a decade now. One of my favorite ways to make chicken because of how filling it is. You can make a lot out of a small amount of chicken.

Elizabeth Currier

05/03/2025 02:00:57 AM

It was perfectly good, just not overly flavorful enough to the point where I probably wouldn't make it again. Although, it does come together very quickly and easily so great for picky eaters or when you're feeling indecisive and lazy about dinner.

WiseCup9409

11/21/2024 02:02:52 AM

Good recipe

Sara Hill

09/26/2024 10:07:32 PM

I'm on a roll this week with trying new recipes, second one in two days. I almost wish I had a man to cook for... hahaha 🤣 This was easy and the chicken turned out so juicy I couldn't believe it!! I didn't fix as much as it called for since it's just me and my 2 and 1/2 yr old, who's not a meat eater, but thank goodness I do have leftovers. Full of flavor and wasn't soggy either.

Virginia Taylor

03/18/2024 01:24:45 AM

Can’t stop raving about it 😍

Tina

02/06/2024 11:35:36 PM

It took much longer than 30 minutes to cook, was not golden/ crunchy, and when I took it out, the coating slid right off. Never again.

kay anderson

10/03/2023 09:42:48 PM

YUM!

AquaWok2722

09/06/2023 12:25:11 AM

It was meant for me to find this recipe today. I actually had all the ingredients! I love it and this recipe will definitely be added to my forever favorites! Can’t wait to share it. Thank you for posting it!

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Cheddar Baked Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Origin of Cheddar Baked Chicken

Regional Features

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Where It's Typically Served

Interesting Facts

FAQ about Cheddar Baked Chicken Recipe