Cheesy Crispy Chicken
The good news is this delicious Cheesy Crispy Chicken recipe is low-carb, nut-free, and sugar-free. With some substitutions, it can be gluten-free and dairy-free.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, our crispy chicken is sure to impress everyone. And dare we say our huskies love any leftovers too! We quite often need to make a double batch just so our huskies don’t feel left out, they can be quick to voice their opinions if there isn’t any for them…yes they talk!
For a completely satisfying meal, serve with your favorite sides, like a fresh salad. Both are easy to prepare and (without any doubt) together are absolutely delicious. We’re convinced this recipe will become a permanent staple in your culinary repertoire.
You can now indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this perfect blend of Parmesan, cheddar cheese, and smokey spices, which add a rich, savory taste that complements the juicy chicken. The combination makes it a bit hit with both kids and adults alike, and oh, let’s not forget the doggos!
What’s To Love?
💕 The combination of breadcrumbs and cheese creates a perfectly crispy and crunchy coating that is irresistibly satisfying with every bite.
💕 With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to follow, making it a great option for both novice and experienced cooks.
💕 Every ingredient is easy to find in any grocery store, supermarket, or online.
💕 The blend of Parmesan and cheddar cheese adds depth and richness, making the chicken wonderfully flavorful and mouthwatering.
💕 The cheesy, crispy coating is sure to be a hit with kids, making it an excellent choice for family dinners that everyone will enjoy.
💕 Combining the best elements of comfort food, this Cheesy Crispy Chicken offers a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
💕 Is a surefire crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
💕 Offers a very satisfying crunchiness.
Have you already tried Cheesy Crispy Chicken? If so, let us know how it was…we can’t wait to hear all about it!
Let’s Talk Ingredients
We feel every ingredient adds to the overall taste and texture; if you remove one, it’s like you’ve removed them all.
- Chicken — we suggest using chicken breasts.
- Oil — use rice bran oil because it can withstand high temperatures without turning rancid.
- Spices — use smoked paprika, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Buttermilk — used for marinating the chicken.
- Breadcrumbs — use regular or gluten-free white breadcrumbs.
- Flour — use all-purpose flour for best results.
- Cheese — use Parmesan and cheddar for the crispy coating.
- Egg — use a large egg.
- Milk — use a full-fat milk; for this recipe we used dairy.
For more detailed ingredients, see the recipe card.
Customizations
Here are some foodie alternatives should you want to make some changes:
- Chicken — you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as an alternative. They are generally more flavorful and juicy but may require slightly longer cooking time.
- Buttermilk — use soy milk with ½ tbsp of fresh lemon juice.
- Milk — for best results, use a creamy dairy-free milk such as soy or cashew.
- Cheese — use dairy-free as a dietary alternative.
- Breadcrumbs — use gluten-free white breadcrumbs.
Remember that substituting ingredients might differ in taste, texture, and overall result, particularly if you’re substituting many ingredients.
If you have made the Cheesy Crispy Chicken with any customizations, we’d love to hear about it; please message us in the comments.
Instructions – Overview
Chicken Burger is easy to make and is even easier to eat. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started on your baking journey (more detailed instructions are in the recipe card):
▶︎ Our crispy chicken starts with washing and cutting the chicken breasts into smaller pieces, then optionally marinating in buttermilk for at least an hour. This helps to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
▶︎ The buttermilk is then removed from the chicken and patted dry before coating each chicken piece in the flour, then dipped in the egg mixture, and lastly pressed into the breadcrumb and cheese mixture. This sequence creates the perfect coating.
▶︎ The oil is heated in a frying pan, and the chicken is then cooked at an even temperature of 350°F or 175°C for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
▶︎ Serve the chicken on a bed of salad of your preferred choice.
Tools You’ll Need
Want to make the best Cheesy Crispy Chicken? Using the correct equipment for preparation is essential; we think they’re a big helping hand. We understand that you might already have some of these kitchen tools to make this recipe, or you might want to use other tools and may not require our recommendations. Here are some of our suggestions to get you started:
- Frying Pan – to cook the chicken.
- Mixing Bowl – you will need three for coating the chicken.
- Thermapen – is a great little tool to test meat temperature.
- Paper Towels – used to remove excess buttermilk on the chicken after optionally marinating.
- Silicone Spatula – for stirring and incorporating all the ingredients smoothly, and used for turning the chicken when frying.
- Weighing Scales and Measuring Spoons – to measure the ingredients accurately.
If you love those gadgets for this recipe, then you’ll love this Kitchenaid frying pan (skillet). It’s our go-to for many of our recipes, and we think every budding chef needs it.
Hard-wearing KitchenAid Frying Pan with heavy-gauge forged aluminum, fast heating, extreme durability, scratch resistance, 3-layer German-engineered non-stick coating, matte stainless steel handles for a cool and secure grip, induction-ready, oven safe up to 220°C, dishwasher safe and stackable for easy storage.
Check out our favorite kitchen equipment that we love to use with all our recipes.
Storing
See our FAQs for detailed instructions on storing, refrigeration, freezing, and defrosting and for answers to readers’ questions.
Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant.
Pairing
Cheesy Crispy Chicken is frequently eaten as a standalone, but can easily be paired. Here are some suggestions and our favorite go-to’s what to eat with it:
▶︎ Crispy Garlic Parmesan Fries pair wonderfully with the juicy, crispy chicken. Alternatively, sweet potato fries have a touch of sweetness and a different texture than regular fries. Voila, perfection at its best!
▶︎ A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken. Consider a mix of lettuce, cucumbers, lemon, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers.
▶︎ A lovely Ratatouille, or a selection of oven-roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus is a healthy and colorful side that complements the chicken’s savory flavors.
▶︎ A tangy coleslaw with a hint of sweetness offers a great balance to the cheesy chicken. Try a mix of cabbage, carrots, and a light mayo or vinegar-based dressing.
▶︎ A light and fluffy Garlic Butter Rice is a great way to round out the crispy chicken.
▶︎ For afters, a light dessert such as this Classic Boozy Tiramisu or a light cheesecake style cake such as this Strawberry Eton Mess will provide a sweet finish to this hearty meal.
More Recipes
Here are some other delicious meal recipes that we think you might also like:
Thank you for checking out Cheesy Crispy Chicken!
We hope you enjoy making and eating it! Let us know how you get along, and please rate using the ⭐️ by the comments. HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest for all of our latest updates. Happy Baking!
⭐️ Quick Tip: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand. Voila…you’re all set to go!
Cheesy Crispy Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash the chicken and cut to the size you prefer.4 Chicken Breasts
- In a bowl, add the buttermilk and the chicken breasts. Mix well.240 grams Buttermilk
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours for best results.
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk and remove as much buttermilk as possible. We lightly shake each piece in the kitchen sink being careful raw chicken doesn't flick everywhere.
- Pat dry with a papertowl.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, grated cheddar cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.200 grams Breadcrumbs, 100 grams Parmesan Cheese, 100 grams Cheddar Cheese, 1 tsp Smoked Paprika, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1 tsp Onion Powder, Salt and pepper to taste
- In another shallow dish, place the flour.100 grams All-Purpose Flour
- In a third shallow dish, beat the eggs with the milk.2 large Eggs, 50 ml Full-Fat Milk
- Start by coating each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
- Next, dip the floured chicken breast into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
- Finally, press the chicken breast into the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, ensuring an even coating. Repeat for all chicken breasts.
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.100 ml Rice Bran Oil
- Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Alternatively, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Marinating: (Optional) Let the chicken marinate in buttermilk for at least an hour. Overnight marination will make the chicken more tender and flavorful.
- Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels before coating them. This helps the coating adhere better and results in a crispier finish.
- Seasoning: Taste the dry mix before using it to adjust the seasoning if necessary. The flour should be flavorful to ensure the chicken has a tasty crust.
- Oil Temperature: For frying, maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F (175°C). Use a Thermapen to monitor the temperature. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the chicken is cooked through. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Meat Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, resulting in less crispy chicken.
- Use a Wire Rack: After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness. If baking, using a wire rack on the baking sheet helps air circulate around the chicken, making it crispier.
- Dairy-Free: For the buttermilk, use soy milk with ½ tbsp of fresh lemon juice. Let it sit for a minute or two or until it thickens and curdles. Use dairy-free parmesan and dairy-free cheddar cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
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FAQ’s & Troubleshooting
By addressing these FAQs and troubleshooting tips, you can overcome common challenges and create a delicious batch of Cheese Burger every time.
Your Questions Matter
Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant. If you don’t already follow us, head over to our Twitter or Facebook to keep up to date with all our new recipes and articles.
For food safety top tips, check out USDA.gov.
Hey, I’m Sharon, I’m a full-time food blogger, mother of 3 grown adults and 3 huskies. Most days you can find me in the kitchen creating new recipes, I love cooking indulgent bakes and love sharing them. I am lucky to connect with and inspire people from all around the world and help you on your cooking journey so you can eat in style!
FINALLY another person who uses buttermilk rather than milk to marinate! Definitely making this! 👍🥰
Our pleasure. Thank you for your feedback. We’re so happy it turned out well for you and your family.
All the best 🥰