Baked Garlic Cheddar Chicken

Looking for a chicken dinner that's got a serious wow factor without requiring serious effort? I've got just the recipe for you.

We're talking tender, juicy chicken coated in the most insanely flavorful, crispy cheese crust you ever tasted. I'm telling you, this garlic cheddar chicken is about to become your new go-to.

And get this - it comes together in just 40 minutes flat using ingredients you likely have in the pantry.  Yep, it's the simple classics that make this baked chicken so downright delicious.

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The best part is how low-maintenance this recipe is. Pound some chicken breasts, dip them in melted garlic butter, then dredge them in the cheese mixture. Into the oven, they go while you kick them back until they transform.

Trust me, that first bite of crunchy, cheesy exterior giving way to moist, garlicky chicken is an experience you deserve in your life.

Why This Baked Chicken Recipe Works

1. It produces incredibly moist, tender, and flavorful chicken thanks to the garlic butter that permeates the meat. Multiple reviews describe the chicken as "unbelievably tender" and "so moist." The butter and garlic provide a fantastic savory flavor as well.
2. The crispy, cheesy bread crumb coating provides great crunch and texture contrast to the moist interior of the chicken. Using both Parmesan and cheddar cheese gives you bold, cheesy flavor in every bite.
3. It's an easy weeknight dinner that comes together quickly. You don't need fancy ingredients or techniques. Several sources mention it takes only 30-40 minutes to make. The hands-off baking method also means easy prep and cleanup.
4. It's a reliable crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults. The mild chicken and fun, crunchy coating appeal to less adventurous palates while the rich garlic butter and cheese flavors satisfy more mature tastes.

So do yourself a solid and make this insanely easy chicken tonight. Your crew will be begging for seconds and you'll feel like a superstar without ever really breaking a sweat. Now that's my kind of dinner!

What You Need To Make This Recipe

• Chicken breasts - The base of the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are pounded thin to cook quickly and evenly.
• Butter - Provides moisture and flavor. Melted butter is used to saute the garlic and coat the chicken.
• Garlic - Key flavoring. Minced garlic is sauteed in the butter.
• Breadcrumbs - Provide crunch and texture contrast. A mix of crumbs, Parmesan, and shredded cheddar coats the chicken.
• Cheese - Parmesan and cheddar add rich, savory flavor.
• Herbs and spices - Ingredients like parsley, oregano, pepper, and salt add seasoning.

How To Make The Recipe

1. Pound chicken breasts to an even 0.8-inch thickness.
2. Melt the butter in a pan over low heat. Cook the minced garlic for 5 minutes.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan, cheddar, parsley, oregano, pepper, and salt.
4. Dip the chicken breasts in the melted garlic butter to coat both sides.
5. Dredge the chicken in the bread crumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
6. Arrange the coated chicken in a baking dish. Drizzle with any leftover butter.
7. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.

Pro Tips

• For extra flavor, use Italian seasoned crumbs instead of plain ones.
• If the breadcrumb mixture seems dry, moisten it with a little extra melted butter or olive oil before coating the chicken.
• Let the baked chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to seal in the juices.
• Serve with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
• Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

What Are Some Variations To This Recipe

Using Different Cheeses

• Substitute the cheddar for other shredded cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Use a combination of cheeses like cheddar and parmesan or cheddar and gruyere.
• Make it extra cheesy by also topping the chicken with more shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Trying New Coatings

• Instead of breadcrumbs, use crushed crackers, panko bread crumbs, pork rinds, or cornflakes for the coating.
• For extra crunch, coat the chicken in flour first before the cheese coating.
• Use Italian-seasoned bread crumbs for more flavor.

Changing Up the Flavors

• Add spices like paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, or Italian seasoning to the crumb mixture.
• Stir fresh herbs like parsley, chives, dill, or thyme into the bread crumb coating.
• Whisk spicy mustard or hot sauce into the melted garlic butter before brushing onto the chicken.

Baking Methods

• Bake the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet instead of in a baking dish for extra crispy edges.
• Broil the chicken for the last few minutes to crisp and brown the cheesy topping.

There are endless ways to put your spin on this recipe while keeping the core flavors of garlic, butter, and cheese. Feel free to get creative with ingredients based on what you have on hand!

What Can I Serve With This Recipe

Classic Sides

• Rice Pilaf - A rice pilaf with herbs and vegetables is a nice complement to the flavors of the chicken.
• Mashed Potatoes - Creamy mashed russet or Yukon gold potatoes are a perfect match for drizzling with the garlicky pan juices.
• Roasted Potatoes - Crispy roasted red potatoes or potato wedges would balance nicely with the tender chicken.
• Pasta - Buttery noodles like fettuccine or egg noodles work well with cheesy flavors.

Veggie Sides

• Roasted Broccoli - The bright green pairs beautifully with the chicken. Toss florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.
• Green Beans - Sauté green beans with sliced almonds and garlic for a tasty accompaniment.
• Creamed Spinach - Wilted spinach in a creamy sauce makes a nice contrast to the crispy coating.

Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad - A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette is a bright counterpoint.
• Wedge Salad - For a heartier option, bacon and blue cheese pair nicely.
• Caesar Salad - Crisp romaine with Caesar dressing and croutons complements the flavors.

How To Store Leftover Garlic Cheddar Chicken

• Store leftover chicken refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely then transfer it to freezer bags or containers. It will keep frozen for 2-3 months.
• When ready to reheat refrigerated chicken, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F, allowing extra time for the chicken to come up to temperature before serving.
• For frozen chicken, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Microwave individual pieces for 2-3 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat frozen chicken gently on the stovetop in a skillet with butter or oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Q: Is garlic cheddar chicken suitable for a potluck?

Yes, garlic cheddar chicken is a great dish to bring to a potluck as it is easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.

Q: How can I make my garlic cheddar chicken extra flavorful?

A: To enhance the flavor of garlic cheddar chicken, you can add fresh parsley as a garnish or sprinkle some chopped garlic over the chicken before baking.