Name: Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
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 crumbs; ½ cup cheddar cheese, finely grated; ½ tsp coarse black pepper (or to taste); 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Shredded cheddar cheese (to taste)

Jump to Recipe

Prepare yourself for a dinnertime triumph with Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast—a dish that wraps juicy chicken in a crunchy, flavor-packed crust, then finishes with a melty cheddar blanket. This recipe transforms a handful of simple ingredients into pure comfort, delighting your senses with the magic of garlic, cheddar, and buttery breadcrumbs. Whether you’re cooking for the family or trying to impress at a dinner party, Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast is bound to become one of your most-requested favorites.

Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s get down to the essentials! While the list may be short, each element in this recipe plays an important role. You’ll love how every ingredient brings its own personality to the table, amping up flavor, texture, and even the golden color of your finished Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast.

Butter (⅓ cup, melted): The rich, silky foundation for our coating, butter ensures every bite is moist and flavorful.
Minced garlic (2 tbsp, or to taste): Fresh minced garlic infuses every crumb with mouthwatering aroma and bold savory notes.
Garlic powder (2 tsp, divided): This gives a subtle, rounded garlic flavor that melds perfectly with butter and cheese.
Seasoned salt (½ tsp): Adds complexity and a gentle kick to the savory profile.
Seasoned dry bread crumb (¾ cup): Responsible for that irresistible golden crunch—choose your favorite brand or homemade for extra magic.
Cheddar cheese (½ cup, finely grated plus extra for topping): Sharp, nutty, and melty; cheddar promises gooey goodness in every layer.
Course black pepper (½ tsp, or to taste): For a bit of a peppery bite, balancing the richness perfectly.
Boneless skinless chicken breast (4 pieces): Tender and lean, these are the centerpiece and soak up all the wonderful flavors.
Shredded cheddar cheese (to taste): Adds that gooey, golden finish—don’t be shy with the cheese on top!

How to Make Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Before diving in, preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure an even bake. Take a moment to coat your 11×7 inch baking pan generously with melted butter; this not only keeps the chicken from sticking but adds an extra buttery boost to the bottom crust!

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Butter Bath

Grab a small mixing bowl and combine the melted butter, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, your minced garlic, and the seasoned salt. Stir it up until everything is well mixed. This beautifully aromatic pool is where your chicken will truly start to shine.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesy Breading

In a medium bowl, mix together the seasoned bread crumbs, ½ cup of cheddar cheese, Parmesan (if desired), black pepper, and the remaining teaspoon of garlic powder. This mixture will form a cheesy, garlicky cloak that’s both comforting and crisp.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Place each chicken breast in the melted butter mix, turning to coat all sides. Let any excess drip off, then transfer to the breadcrumb-cheese mixture, flipping and pressing gently so each piece is thoroughly covered.

Step 5: Arrange and Repeat

As you finish coating each breast, place it directly into your prepared baking pan. Repeat until all the chicken is nestled snugly in the pan, each chunk wearing its crumbly, cheesy jacket.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 35 to 45 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked through—juices should run clear and the crumb topping will be golden and crisp.

Step 7: Finish with Cheddar Glow

In the last 5 minutes of baking, shower the chicken breasts with an extra layer of shredded cheddar. Return the dish to the oven, just long enough to let the cheese melt and bubble tantalizingly on top.

How to Serve Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast

Garnishes

Bring even more excitement to the plate with fresh finishing touches—sprinkle chopped parsley or chives for a vibrant pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you want a little kick, a scattering of sliced green onion or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can work wonders on Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast.

Side Dishes

Pair your Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast with a fluffy heap of mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp simple salad. Creamy sides accentuate the savory cheesy notes, while greens balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the chicken into strips and serve on a platter for sharing. Or, transform leftovers into hearty wraps or sandwiches with lettuce and tomato. Think outside the plate—this recipe is as versatile for weekday lunches as it is for dinner parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast stays delicious for up to three days in the refrigerator. Store pieces in an airtight container to keep them moist and flavorful, and try to layer parchment or wax paper between breasts to keep the breadcrumb crust from getting soggy.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead, Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast freezes beautifully once cooked and cooled. Wrap each breast tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 15 minutes); this keeps the coating crisp and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving if you can, as this can soften the crust—though in a pinch, short microwave bursts will do.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe. Just be aware that the cooking time may be slightly less since thighs are generally thinner and more forgiving.

Is it possible to make Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast gluten-free?

Yes; simply substitute your favorite gluten-free bread crumbs in place of traditional ones. Double-check your seasonings and cheese, and you’re all set for a gluten-free feast.

Can I add vegetables directly to the baking pan?

Definitely! Arrange broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or bell pepper strips around the chicken before baking. They’ll soak up some buttery, cheesy flavor and roast to tender perfection.

What’s the best way to keep the breading crispy?

To guarantee a crisp crust, avoid covering the chicken during baking, and always reheat leftovers in the oven rather than the microwave. Letting the coating fully brown in the oven is key for maximum crunch.

Can I prepare Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast ahead of time?

You can! Coat the chicken and arrange it in the baking dish up to a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

When you want a meal that’s as cozy as it is impressive, Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast checks every box. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine—don’t hesitate to share your own spin, and get ready for all the requests for seconds!

Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and cheesy twist on classic chicken breast, this Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Butter Mix:

⅓ cup butter, melted
2 tbsp minced garlic (or to taste)
2 tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
½ tsp seasoned salt

For the Breadcrumb Mix:

¾ cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
½ cup cheddar cheese, finely grated
½ tsp coarse black pepper (or to taste)

Additional Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Shredded cheddar cheese (to taste)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare: Prepare an 11×7 inch baking pan by coating it with butter.
3. Combine: In a small mixing bowl, mix melted butter, 1 tsp garlic powder, minced garlic, and salt.
4. Combine: In a medium mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder.
5. Coat: Coat the chicken in the butter mix, then in the breadcrumb mix.
6. Place: Place the coated chicken in the baking dish.
7. Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes until cooked through.
8. Top: Add remaining cheddar cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add some dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the breadcrumb mix.
Serve the chicken with a side of salad or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American