Easy Crispy Cheddar Chicken Bake

We love this crispy cheddar chicken and you will too!

I wouldn’t describe our children as “picky eaters” but there are definitely meals they like more than others — and this chicken is one of everyones’ favorites (we’re a big meat and potatoes family!)

I always get 2 thumbs up (and requests for seconds) when I mix chicken, cheese, and butter — and it’s an added bonus that it only takes 15 minutes to get it in the oven.

I’ve never tried freezing this recipe (because it’s just so quick and easy) but I can attest to the fact that the leftovers are fantastic!

If you’re looking for a new baked chicken recipe with simple ingredients, minimal prep work, deliciously juicy meat, and an almost-tastes-like-fried-chicken crispy shell, look no further!

Ingredients for Crispy Cheddar Chicken

• 1/4 c. butter
• 6 chicken pieces (if you use frozen, you’ll need to defrost them first)
• 1/2 c. flour
• 1 T. Italian seasonings (or your favorite seasoning blend)
• 1 t. garlic powder
• 1 t. salt
• 1 t. pepper
• 1 egg
• 1/2 c. bread crumbs
• 1 c. cheddar cheese
• 1 c. Rice Krispies cereal

Recipe variations:

As with all my recipes, I encourage you to mix up the ingredients based on what you have in the house, what is on sale at your local grocery store, or what your family prefers.

Use frozen chicken breasts if you find a great deal.

Try chicken tenders or chicken thighs.

Substitute different types of cheeses (or use a mixture if you want to clean out your fridge) and see what you think.

You can totally change the taste of this recipe by altering the spices and seasonings too — try spicer Mexican seasonings, or even Greek seasonings.

If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute your favorite gluten-free flour or even cornstartch. And just use extra Rice Krispies instead of using breadcrumbs.

You could also make this recipe with pork chops if that’s what you have in the house.

There’s no “right way” to make this and I’d love it if you used my recipe as a ‘base recipe’ to create many more delicious meals!

How to make this simple chicken dish:

1. Place 1/4 c. butter in the bottom of a large baking dish (I use a 9″ x 13″ pan) and place dish in a cold oven).

2. Preheat oven to 350ºF and let the butter melt in the pan (remove pan from oven once it’s melted).

3. Use 3 shallow dishes to mix up the “batter” for the chicken.

4. In the first dish, combine flour, seasonings, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Scramble the egg in the second dish.

6. Mix the breadcrumbs, cheese, and cereal in the third dish.

7. Dip each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then the cereal mixture; then place in the pan with melted butter.

8. Bake in preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.

Do you really need all those steps?

Although the 3 layers of “breading” might seem like unnecessary extra busy work (and extra dirty dishes) it really doesn’t take long, and the finished product is worth a few extra dirty dishes (in my opinion.)

I can usually get all the ingredients out and have the chicken ready to go into the oven by the time the oven preheats.

Then I clean up the kitchen, set the table, and finish preparing the rest of the meal while the chicken bakes.

Side Dish Suggestions: 

Serve this with potatoes, rice, quinoa, or pasta — or cut it up and put it on a bed of lettuce or spinach.

I usually serve this Crispy Chicken with:

• mashed potatoes or potato wedges
• green beans or roasted veggies,
• applesauce or fresh fruit
• rolls or biscuits

How to store and reheat leftover chicken.

Yes, this chicken is great as leftovers, and it should last for several days in your refrigerator.

Simply refrigerate any leftovers in a food storage container and serve cold (on a salad or in a wrap), or reheat in the microwave or toaster oven.

More easy chicken recipes:

Here are a few of our family’s favorite chicken recipes — you can browse them ALL here.

• Chicken and Wild Rice Stew
• Chicken Broccoli “Rice” Casserole
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
• Chicken Salad
• Chicken Spaghetti
• Chicken Vegetable Stir-Fry
• Chicken, Bacon, Pesto Pasta
• Chicken, Zucchini, and Corn Pasta Bake
• Creamy, Cheesy, Chicken Lasagna
• Pesto Chicken
• Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
• Grilled Chicken Ranch Wraps
• Fiesta Chicken Salad
• One-Skillet Chicken Parmesan
• Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks

What are your favorite chicken recipes?

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