Description
This Cheddar Baked Chicken recipe features tender chicken tenders coated in a savory, crispy mixture of cheddar cheese, Rice Krispies, and panko breadcrumbs. Baked to golden perfection and drizzled with melted butter, it’s a delicious and easy meal perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Breading Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Breading Station
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Main Ingredient
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 12 strips)
Other
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 10×15 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick during baking.
- Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls; in the first, combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the second, whisk together the egg and milk. In the third, mix shredded cheddar cheese, Rice Krispies cereal, panko breadcrumbs, and dried Italian seasoning.
- Bread Chicken: Take each chicken tender and dredge it first in the flour mixture to coat evenly. Then dip it into the egg and milk mixture to moisten, and finally press it firmly into the cheddar-cheese breadcrumb mixture to create a crispy coating.
- Bake: Place the breaded chicken tenders in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the coated chicken to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve hot, paired perfectly with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- You can substitute whole milk with any milk alternative if desired.
- For extra crispiness, you may broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rice Krispies add a unique crunch, but can be replaced with crushed cornflakes if preferred.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
