Cheddar And Chicken: A Match Made In Heaven?

does cheddar cheese go with chicken

Cheddar cheese and chicken are two ingredients that can be combined in a variety of ways. For example, cheddar cheese can be added to a chicken sandwich or melted on top of chicken breasts. The combination of these two ingredients is a topic of debate among chefs and food enthusiasts, with some arguing that the addition of cheese enhances the flavour of the chicken, while others believe that it distracts from it. Ultimately, the decision to pair cheddar cheese with chicken comes down to personal preference and the desired end product.

Characteristics Values
Dish Chicken sandwich, Fried chicken sandwich, Oven-baked chicken
Cheddar cheese pairing Yes, but with other mild cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or American cheese
Other popular cheese pairings Provolone, blue cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, gouda, American cheese, pimiento cheese, smoked cheddar, parmesan, brie, stilton
Accompaniments Bread, buns, bacon, salami, pickles, ranch, radish, tomato sauce, pasta, rice, potatoes, vegetables, salad

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Cheddar cheese and chicken sandwich

The addition of cheese to a chicken sandwich is a divisive topic, with some arguing that it enhances the flavour and texture, while others believe it distracts from the chicken. However, if you are a fan of adding cheese to your chicken sandwich, a mild cheddar is a good option.

For a grilled chicken and cheese sandwich, you can combine cooked, shredded chicken with garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, hot sauce, mayonnaise, and sour cream. In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese with blue cheese or mild cheddar. Spread the cheese mixture on one slice of bread and the chicken mixture on the other, then sandwich them together. You can also add a slice of mild cheddar on top of the chicken mixture before sandwiching.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try an oven-baked chicken with cheddar cheese. Simply season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then place them in a baking dish. Mix mayonnaise with cheddar cheese and spread it over the chicken, sprinkling Parmesan and extra black pepper on top. Bake for 20 minutes covered, then another 10 minutes uncovered to form a crispy crust. Serve this with pasta, rice, potatoes, or vegetables.

For a fried chicken sandwich, you can add a slice of mild cheddar, or even a combination of American cheese, pimento cheese, and smoked cheddar. You can also toast the sandwich with a mix of mozzarella and mild cheddar or gouda. If you want to add more ingredients, consider including bacon or salami, as well as a brioche bun.

Ultimately, the decision to add cheddar cheese to your chicken sandwich is a matter of personal preference. You can experiment with different types of cheese, cooking methods, and additional ingredients to find the combination that suits your taste.

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Chicken and cheese side dishes

Chicken is a versatile meat with many side dishes to choose from. Here are some ideas for chicken and cheese side dishes:

Sweet Potato Gratin

Sweet potato gratin is a delicious and exciting twist on the classic potatoes au gratin. This dish is made by layering sweet potatoes with a generous amount of cheese and an herby cream sauce. It is then baked until it achieves a golden brown, bubbly perfection.

Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a classic roasted vegetable that pairs well with chicken. Elevate this side dish by adding a generous amount of Parmesan cheese to the mix. The nutty, umami flavour of Parmesan enhances the sprouts' natural sweetness.

Whipped Feta Roasted Potatoes

This side dish combines the crispiness of roasted potatoes with the creaminess of whipped feta. The potatoes are spooned onto a bed of whipped feta and topped with lemon zest and fresh herbs for a refreshing and indulgent bite.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic comfort food and an excellent choice for a chicken side dish. The rich, creamy cheese sauce makes it an indulgent and satisfying option.

Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots

These roasted carrots are taken to the next level with the addition of Parmesan cheese and garlic. The carrots are roasted to perfection and topped with a generous amount of Parmesan and a touch of lemon, creating a super-irresistible side dish.

Other Ideas

Some other side dish ideas that can be customised with the addition of cheese include mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, green beans, wild rice, and salads. When it comes to chicken and cheese side dishes, the possibilities are endless!

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Baked chicken with cheddar cheese

Cheddar cheese and chicken is a combination that works well together. This is evident in the many recipes for baked chicken with cheddar cheese available. The recipes for this dish vary slightly, but the core ingredients and steps are the same.

Firstly, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You will need three bowls for the different mixtures. In the first bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the second bowl, beat together an egg and some milk. In the third bowl, mix cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and crushed corn flakes or cereal. You can also add crushed butter crackers or Ritz crackers to the third bowl for a buttery flavor. For an extra crunchy texture, you can substitute the corn flakes with Crispix.

Next, dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, dip them in the egg mixture, and then press them into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Place the coated chicken breasts in a baking dish coated with melted butter and top each piece of chicken with a pat of butter. You can also add some butter to the flour mixture for extra flavor.

Bake the chicken for 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. It is recommended to use a digital thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The dish is ready when the chicken is tender and juicy on the inside, with a crunchy, cheesy coating on the outside.

This baked chicken with cheddar cheese can be served with plain white rice, steamed rice, creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or your favorite vegetables. It is a simple, flavorful, and family-friendly meal that can be prepared ahead of time and baked later.

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Grilled chicken and cheese sandwich

While opinions vary on whether cheese belongs on a chicken sandwich, many recipes for grilled chicken and cheese sandwiches exist.

Ingredients

  • Bread: sturdy bread such as sourdough, pumpernickel, rye bread, whole wheat, or French bread. For extra flavour, spread butter on the outside of the bread to achieve a crispy texture.
  • Cheese: cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend.
  • Chicken: roasted or grilled chicken breast.
  • Vegetables: ripe tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers, onions, or olives.
  • Sauces: aioli, mayonnaise, mustard, or chutney.
  • Extras: bacon, salami, or pickles.

Method

  • Spread butter on the outside of two slices of bread.
  • Spread aioli, mayonnaise, mustard, or chutney on the inside of the bread.
  • On one slice of bread, add cheese, followed by chicken, vegetables, and any extras.
  • Add more cheese on top of the chicken and toppings.
  • Place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up.
  • Place the sandwich in a greased skillet on medium to low heat.
  • Grill the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on each side, applying pressure with a spatula for a crunchy texture and melted cheese.

Tips

  • If toasting the sandwich, mix mozzarella with a mild cheese like cheddar or gouda.
  • For a crispy texture, butter is preferred over mayonnaise. However, mayonnaise provides a tangier flavour and has a higher smoke point, making it suitable for cooking in a skillet.
  • For a more nutritious sandwich, add vegetables such as spinach.
  • Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • To reheat, place the sandwich in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave the sandwich for a quicker option, but it may become soggy or soft.

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Fried chicken with cheddar cheese

There are many opinions on whether cheddar cheese goes with chicken, especially in the context of fried chicken sandwiches. Some people believe that a fried chicken sandwich is a sacred object of culinary worship, with others holding strong opinions about bun choice, dredging, mayo varieties, and most controversially, cheese. However, some chefs and food enthusiasts believe that cheese belongs on a fried chicken sandwich, with one chef even using three different kinds of cheese in their sandwich.

If you're feeling adventurous and want to try the unique combination of fried chicken with cheddar cheese, here's a mouth-watering recipe for you:

Crispy Cheddar Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

  • Chicken breasts
  • Egg whites
  • Bread crumbs
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Butter
  • Chicken broth
  • Flour
  • Parsley
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Start by cutting each chicken breast into 3 pieces. In one bowl, whisk the egg whites until bubbly, and in another bowl, combine bread crumbs, grated cheddar cheese, and some parsley. You can also add other spices like oregano to the bread crumb mixture. Now, dip each piece of chicken into the egg whites, and then roll it in the cheesy bread crumb mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated.

Place the coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and baste the chicken with melted butter. Return the chicken to the oven and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, heat some butter and add flour, stirring until you get a pasty consistency. Slowly add the chicken broth and whisk until you get a smooth and creamy sauce. Add pepper to taste and more broth if you want a thinner sauce.

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and top with fresh parsley. Serve this crispy, cheesy fried chicken with the creamy sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy the delicious flavors of fried chicken and cheddar cheese combined!

Frequently asked questions

Yes, chedder cheese can be a great pairing with chicken. For example, you can make a creamy grilled chicken and cheese sandwich or an oven-baked chicken dish with cheddar cheese.

Some popular choices include American cheese, provolone, gouda, mozzarella, blue cheese, and cream cheese.

Yes, fried chicken sandwiches with cheese are also common, and you can add different sauces and toppings to enhance the flavour.

Preheat your oven to 190°C or 345°F. Cut and season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in a baking dish and mix mayonnaise with cheddar cheese, spreading it over the chicken. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and pepper on top, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to form a crispy crust. Serve with pasta, rice, potatoes, or vegetables.

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