Randy Chandler
Chicken and cheese are a match made in heaven, and baking them together in the oven is a great way to get a delicious, easy weeknight family dinner on the table. This paragraph will introduce you to the wonderful world of oven-baked cheese chicken and provide a step-by-step guide to creating this mouth-watering dish. From the perfect cheese sauce to the ideal cooking temperature, you'll be well on your way to becoming a cheese chicken connoisseur. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with a cheesy, juicy chicken feast that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 345 F or 350 F |
| Chicken | Breasts, thighs or tenderloins |
| Chicken preparation | Cut into thinner slices, pounded with a meat mallet, seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning |
| Cheeses | Cheddar, Colby Jack, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Cream cheese, Light cream cheese |
| Other ingredients | Bacon, Green onions, Spinach, Mayonnaise, Breadcrumbs, Rice Crispy, Corn flakes, Sour cream, Ranch, Cereal, Egg, Milk, Butter, Onion powder, Flour |
| Cooking time | 20 minutes covered with foil, 10 minutes uncovered, 35 minutes total |
| Serving suggestions | Baked potatoes, fries, pasta, rice, salad, vegetables, wraps, sandwiches |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken preparation
To prepare the chicken, start by slicing the chicken breasts into 2 or 3 thinner slices, each about 1/2 inch thick. You can also cut the chicken breasts in half. Pounding the chicken with a meat mallet or meat tenderizer creates texture on the surface, making the chicken juicier and more tender. This also gives the breading something to cling to. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides, as well as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper to taste.
Next, prepare three shallow dishes. In the first, mix flour with shredded Parmesan cheese, and set aside. In the second dish, beat together an egg and milk. In the third dish, mix breadcrumbs with shredded cheese, such as Cheddar, Colby Jack, or mozzarella. You can also add cereal or cornflakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
Now, dredge the chicken pieces in the flour and cheese mixture, tapping off any excess. Then, dip the chicken into the egg and milk mixture. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb and cheese mixture until it is fully coated. You can sprinkle extra breadcrumbs on top and press down to help them adhere.
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Oven temperature
Million Dollar Chicken Bake:
For this recipe, preheat your oven to 350˚F. The chicken should be cooked for around 35 minutes at this temperature. The ideal temperature for the chicken breast is an internal temperature of 165˚F. It is best to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. However, if you don't have one, you can cut into the middle of the chicken to check if it is done.
Cheddar Baked Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 345˚F or 190˚C. The chicken breasts should be baked for approximately 35 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken juices run clear.
Baked Cheesy Chicken Breasts:
Preheat your oven to 350˚F. The cooking time for this recipe is around 8-10 minutes for the chicken to warm back through.
Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake:
Although a specific oven temperature is not mentioned, this recipe typically involves baking the chicken until a crunchy topping is formed. This usually takes around 10 minutes.
Cheese Chicken with Broccoli:
This recipe involves cooking the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop rather than in the oven. However, the baked potatoes that accompany the dish are cooked in the oven.
In summary, the oven temperature for cooking cheese chicken in the oven typically ranges from 345˚F to 350˚F. The cooking time can vary from around 8-10 minutes for warming to up to 35 minutes for a fully baked dish. It is important to adjust the temperature and timing according to the specific recipe and your oven's characteristics.
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Coating and seasoning
To make oven-baked cheese chicken, you'll need to prepare the chicken breasts by cutting them in half and seasoning them with salt and pepper. You can also add some garlic powder to the mix and even some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
For the coating, you'll need to prepare three separate dishes. In the first dish, mix flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the second dish, beat together an egg and some milk. In the final dish, combine grated cheese and breadcrumbs, and your choice of cereal or cornflakes. You can also add some onion powder to the mix for extra flavour.
Take each chicken piece and first dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture until it's completely covered. You can also sprinkle extra breadcrumbs on top and press them down to ensure an even coating.
Place the coated chicken pieces into a baking dish and drizzle with melted butter. You can also add some hot sauce to the butter for extra flavour.
This coating and seasoning process ensures your chicken will be juicy and tender, with a delicious crispy crust.
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Baking time
The baking time for cheesy chicken bakes varies depending on the recipe and the ingredients used. Here is a detailed breakdown of the baking times mentioned in different recipes:
Cheddar Baked Chicken:
For a simple and flavorful Cheddar Baked Chicken, preheat your oven to 345°F (190°C). Cut the chicken breasts in half and season them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The baking time for this recipe is approximately 35 minutes in a preheated oven. You'll know it's done when the coating is golden brown and the chicken juices run clear.
Million Dollar Chicken Bake:
This recipe calls for a baking temperature of 350˚F. It usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes for the chicken to be fully cooked. The best way to determine if it's done is by using a food thermometer; the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165˚F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can cut into the middle of the chicken to check if it's cooked.
Baked Cheesy Chicken Breasts:
For a crunchy breadcrumb exterior and tender interior, bake the cheesy chicken breasts at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes. This recipe emphasizes the importance of not freezing the chicken, as the breading may not hold up well during freezing and thawing.
Oven-Baked Chicken with Cheddar Cheese:
This recipe has a slightly different approach. After preparing the chicken and spreading the cheese mixture, cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to create a crispy crust.
It's important to note that baking times may vary depending on your oven's characteristics and the thickness of the chicken breasts. Always keep an eye on your chicken to avoid overcooking, and use a meat thermometer if possible to ensure it's cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165˚F.
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Serving suggestions
Baked cheesy chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your juicy, tender chicken:
Carbohydrates
- Rice: Plain white rice pairs well with the cheesy chicken, and you can even make it into a casserole by adding chicken broth and garlic.
- Pasta: A simple pasta dish complements the flavours of the chicken without overwhelming them.
- Potatoes: Baked potatoes or fries provide a hearty side option.
Vegetables
- Salad: A fresh and light option to balance out the richness of the dish.
- Vegetables: Serve with your favourite steamed, roasted, or stir-fried vegetables.
- Wrap: For a more casual option, serve the chicken in a wrap with fresh lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.
Other suggestions
- Sandwich: Alternatively, serve the chicken between two slices of bread with your favourite sandwich toppings.
- Appetizer: Make bite-sized chicken nuggets as an appetizer or party snack.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different side dishes to find your perfect pairing!
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to cook cheesy chicken in the oven, but a simple method is to dredge chicken pieces in flour, dip them in egg, and press them into a breadcrumb and cheese mixture. Place the chicken in a baking dish, drizzle with butter, and bake for 35 minutes or until the juices run clear.
The optimal temperature depends on the recipe, but most recipes recommend cooking cheesy chicken between 345-350˚F.
The cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken and the desired level of doneness, but most recipes recommend baking the chicken for 30-40 minutes or until the juices run clear.
