This Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast is the perfect harmony of simplicity and indulgence. The tender chicken is topped with a rich blend of creamy mayonnaise, sharp cheddar, and bold garlic, then baked until the cheesy crust turns golden and crispy. The seasoned breadcrumbs create an irresistible texture that locks in the juicy goodness of each bite.
Ideal for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner, this recipe is as easy to prepare as it is satisfying. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete, hearty meal that hits every flavor note.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Spread the mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
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Sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs on top of the mayonnaise mixture, gently pressing them down to adhere.
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Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
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Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast: The Ultimate Comfort Food You Can Bake Tonight
If you’re looking for a comforting, family-approved, quick-to-make chicken dish that feels indulgent yet simple, this Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast is your answer. Perfectly baked chicken breasts topped with a creamy blend of cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and a crispy breadcrumb crust, what more could you want for a hearty, satisfying dinner?
With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish proves that you don’t need a culinary degree or hours of prep to serve something truly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal, hosting a cozy dinner with friends, or meal prepping for the week, this chicken delivers both taste and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Cheddar Chicken
There’s a reason this recipe is a crowd favorite and frequently ranks among the most popular chicken recipes online. Here’s why it’s worth making again and again:
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Minimal Ingredients: You probably have most of these items already in your kitchen, chicken, mayo, cheese, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs.
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Quick Prep: Less than 10 minutes of hands-on prep means you can get this dish into the oven in no time.
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Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and crispy, all in one bite.
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Customizable: Easily adapt it to your dietary needs or flavor preferences (e.g., add herbs, spice it up, or use different cheeses).
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Meal-Prep Friendly: It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers or packed lunches.
Ingredients Spotlight
Let’s break down the key players in this recipe and why they’re so essential to making the magic happen:
Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the base of the dish. They’re lean, protein-rich, and perfect for absorbing flavors while remaining juicy when baked properly.
Mayonnaise
Don’t be intimidated, mayonnaise works like a dream in this recipe. It acts as a binder and helps lock in moisture, ensuring your chicken stays tender. It also adds a subtle richness that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar is the go-to for bold flavor. It melts beautifully into the mayo, creating a creamy topping that turns golden and crispy in the oven.
Garlic Powder
This spice brings the necessary depth of flavor and warm, savory notes. It enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
Seasoned Breadcrumbs
These provide that satisfying crunch on top. You can use store-bought or homemade; either way, they give the dish that classic baked finish.
Tips for Success
Although this recipe is incredibly straightforward, here are some tips to help you achieve the best results every time:
1. Don’t Overbake
Chicken breast is prone to drying out if overcooked. Be sure to check for doneness around the 35-minute mark. An internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is ideal.
2. Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For best results, grate the cheese yourself.
3. Customize Your Crust
Want extra crunch? Try adding crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. You can even mix in grated Parmesan for more flavor.
4. Add Herbs or Spices
This base recipe is versatile. Add a pinch of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or a sprinkle of parsley for a new twist.
5. Let It Rest
Letting your chicken rest for a few minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly
This Garlic Cheddar Chicken is rich and flavorful, so pairing it with lighter, complementary sides can help balance your meal.
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Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Bright and fresh veggies help cut through the richness.
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Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Baby Potatoes: A classic pairing with crispy baked chicken.
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Garlic Butter Rice or Wild Rice: For a hearty yet neutral grain base.
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Simple Green Salad: Keeps the meal refreshing and light.
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Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb option that still delivers on comfort.
Make It Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly
Want to make this recipe keto-friendly? It’s surprisingly easy:
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Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
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Use full-fat cheddar cheese and real mayonnaise.
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Serve with cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Storing and Reheating
This recipe makes great leftovers, and you’ll be glad to have them.
Storage:
Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes to maintain the crispy topping. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, but the topping may soften.
Freezing:
While you can freeze the cooked chicken, it’s best fresh. The mayo and cheese topping may change texture slightly after freezing and reheating.
Variations and Add-Ins
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Here are some creative spins to try:
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the mayo mixture.
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Tex-Mex Style: Mix in taco seasoning and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
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Italian Twist: Add Italian seasoning and use mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Buffalo Style: Mix hot sauce into the mayo, use blue cheese crumbles, and serve with celery sticks.
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Bacon Crusted: Add crispy bacon bits to the breadcrumb topping before baking.
Perfect For All Skill Levels
One of the best things about this Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast recipe is that anyone can make it. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this dish requires no fancy techniques, just a good baking dish, a hot oven, and a little layering. It’s almost foolproof and tastes like you spent hours on it.
Even kids can get involved with assembling the topping and sprinkling on the breadcrumbs, turning it into a fun family cooking activity!
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Chicken Dinner
In a world of complicated dinners and overwhelming weeknight choices, this Garlic Cheddar Chicken Breast recipe stands out as a true hero. It’s cozy, comforting, and packed with flavor, yet it doesn’t demand much from your pantry or your schedule. The irresistible combination of creamy cheddar, garlicky mayo, and crispy breadcrumb topping delivers a restaurant-quality bite with very little effort.
So, the next time you find yourself staring into the fridge at a pack of chicken breasts, wondering what to do, this is your answer. Simple. Flavorful. Dependable.
Make it once, and it’s bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky, crispy bite!