chicken cheddar cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best chicken cheddar cheese recipe

I’ve been making this chicken cheddar cheese recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

The combination of tender chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of herbs is just perfect. I like to serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites to assist with – they’re great at shredding the cheese and mixing it into the chicken. This recipe is also a great way to get in some extra protein and calcium, making it a nutritious option for our family dinners.

I’ve even served it at potlucks and gatherings, where it’s always been a crowd-pleaser. The best part about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it hot or cold, and it’s just as delicious either way.

I like to make a big batch on the weekends and use it for lunches throughout the week. My husband loves it because he says it’s the perfect comfort food – all warm and cozy inside.

I have to agree with him – there’s just something about the combination of flavors that hits the spot every time.

Cheddar Chicken Bake

4.9 from 1353 votes

A comforting casserole of tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. This dish is baked until bubbly and golden, perfect for a family dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cheddar Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika

For Topping

1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
2 tablespoons melted butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
4Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove the chicken to a plate.
5In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
6Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until it forms a paste.
7Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
8Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and paprika until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
9Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the cheddar sauce over the top.
10In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the chicken.
11Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
12Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Oven-safe skillet or baking dish (9×13 inch)
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Cutting board
Chef’s knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 130mg🧂Sodium: 680mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 38g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheddar and substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. The casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated; add 10 minutes to the baking time.

Watch Video Of How Cheddar Chicken Bake Works

This chicken cheddar cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special dish for guests. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it reheats – simply place it in the microwave or oven until warmed through, and serve hot.

You can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for later use. When reheating frozen leftovers, be sure to thaw first before warming through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheddar Chicken Bake

Q: What type of cheese should I use in this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a sharp cheddar cheese – the sharper, the better! You can also mix in some other types of cheese if you prefer, but cheddar is the classic choice.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure they’re fully thawed before using them in this recipe.

Q: How long do I need to cook the chicken?

The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, but generally speaking, you’ll want to cook them until they’re cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare this recipe ahead of time by cooking the chicken and cheese mixture up to a day in advance – just assemble everything right before serving.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check your ingredients for any hidden sources of gluten.

Q: Can I serve this recipe at room temperature?

This recipe is actually quite versatile – you can serve it at room temperature or chilled from the fridge – both ways are delicious!

Similar Posts