Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast is a mouthwatering and savory dish that combines tender chicken with a crispy, cheesy crust. The rich, buttery garlic sauce and the sharp, melt-in-your-mouth cheddar cheese make each bite a flavorful experience. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing meal for gatherings, this dish is sure to be a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of melted butter, garlic, and cheddar cheese creates a delightful crust on the chicken, while the inside remains juicy and tender. The seasoning is simple yet flavorful, and the bread crumbs give the chicken a satisfying crunch. This easy-to-make recipe requires minimal ingredients and is ready in under an hour, making it a great option for a busy evening when you want something both delicious and comforting. Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast

Ingredients

⅓ cup butter melted
2 tbsp minced garlic or to taste
2 tsp garlic powder or to taste
½ tsp seasoned salt
¾ cup seasoned dry bread crumb
½ cup cheddar cheese finely grated
½ tsp coarse black pepper or to taste
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Shredded cheddar cheese to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare an 11×7 inch baking pan by coating it with butter.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, 1 tsp of garlic powder, minced garlic, and seasoned salt. Stir to mix well.
In a medium mixing bowl, add breadcrumbs, grated cheddar cheese, black pepper, and the remaining 1 tsp of garlic powder. Stir until everything is combined.
Take each chicken breast and dip it into the butter mixture. Shake off any excess, then coat the chicken thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
Repeat the process with the remaining chicken breasts.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven, uncovered, for approximately 35 to 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, no longer pink inside, and the juices run clear.
In the final 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken breasts. Return the chicken to the oven to melt the cheese.
Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 to 45 minutes
Total time: 45 to 55 minutes

Variations

Add herbs: For extra flavor, consider adding fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture.
Spicy version: Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.
Cheese variety: Swap out the cheddar for other cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan to create different flavor profiles.
Low-carb option: Use almond flour or a low-carb breadcrumb substitute to make this dish keto-friendly.
Topping ideas: Top with crispy bacon crumbles or chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, though the oven method helps maintain the crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can! Chicken thighs will work just as well, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content.

2. What if I don’t have seasoned breadcrumbs?

You can use regular breadcrumbs and add your own seasonings such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt to replicate the seasoned flavor.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken, coat it with the butter and breadcrumb mixture, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. How can I tell when the chicken is done?

The best way to tell if the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

5. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of bread crumbs. You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

7. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a creamier texture. If using pre-shredded, just make sure it’s a good quality cheese.

8. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the butter mixture for a spicy kick.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese. Parmesan, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses would work well for this dish.

10. Can I cook this in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook the garlic cheddar chicken breasts in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Conclusion

Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast is a simple yet delicious dish that combines the irresistible flavors of garlic and cheddar with juicy chicken. It’s quick to prepare and is sure to be a hit with your family or guests. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or add your own personal twist, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Ezabella

Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast