Description
This Juicy Cheesy Crispy Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful garlic-paprika panko crust, then baked to golden perfection and topped with melted cheese. It’s an easy-to-make comfort dish that delivers a crispy exterior with a gooey cheesy finish, perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Breading and Seasoning
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika for a flavorful base.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with panko breadcrumbs mixed thoroughly with minced garlic and additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each seasoned chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the panko mixture until fully coated.
- Bake Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Add Cheese Topping: In the last 5 minutes of baking, evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over each chicken breast and return to the oven until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
- Feel free to swap mozzarella for your favorite cheese like provolone or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Rest the chicken for a few minutes after baking to retain juices before serving.
- This recipe can be doubled easily to serve more people.
