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Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe

This Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a golden, crunchy delight with a cheesy twist that’s easy to make and perfect for any night!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)

Instructions

  • Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken breasts. If they are particularly thick, you can butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
  • In three separate shallow dishes, arrange your breading ingredients. Put the flour in the first dish and season it lightly with salt and pepper. In the second dish, beat the eggs until smooth. For the third dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Take each chicken breast and dredge it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the cheddar breadcrumb mixture, making sure to cover all sides evenly.
  • Pour cooking oil into a large skillet to a depth of about 1/4 inch. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C), or until a small breadcrumb dropped in sizzles immediately.
  • Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Three Shallow Dishes
  • Wire Rack
  • Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin

Notes

  • Even Thickness: Pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking and better coating adhesion.
  • Cheese Choice: Use sharp cheddar or combine with parmesan for extra cheesy crust.
  • Breadcrumbs: Substitute panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
  • Oil Temperature: Maintain oil at 350°F for perfect crispiness without burning.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat in oven or air fryer to keep crust crispy.