Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Melt Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Melt Chicken
Description
This recipe starts with boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then dipped in beaten eggs and coated in a blend of panko and fine seasoned breadcrumbs. Baking them uncovered crisps the coating. Meanwhile, broccoli florets are briefly steamed in the microwave to reduce final baking time and soften them.
After the initial bake, the chicken is flipped and layered with most of the grated sharp cheddar cheese, steamed broccoli, and the remaining cheese. Returning the dish to the oven melts the cheese and further cooks the broccoli, combining textures and flavors. The result is a dish with a crunchy crust, melted cheese, and tender broccoli topping.
This chicken bake works well as a standalone main course that pairs easily with rice, pasta, or salad. The broccoli adds a mild vegetal note that contrasts the rich cheese and savory seasoning. Baking in a single pan minimizes cleanup and locks in moisture for juicy chicken beneath the crisp coating.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast I like thin-sliced breasts, boneless, skinless
- salt kosher salt
- black pepper kosher salt
- garlic powder
- 2 egg lightly beaten
- 1 ½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs (I like to use a mix of panko and fine)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese grated sharp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 9x13 inch pan with nonstick spray.
- Season the chicken breasts all over with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Place the eggs in one bowl and the breadcrumbs in another bowl. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg and then in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they adhere to the chicken. Place each chicken breast in the baking dish - do not overlap them!
- Once the chicken is in the dish, stick it in the oven. Bake it for 10 to 12 minutes.
- While the chicken is baking, place the broccoli in a glass bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of water. Microwave the broccoli for 2 minutes. This helps to steam the broccoli so it can cook quicker in the oven.
- Drain the broccoli and drizzle it with the olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper and garlic powder.
- Remove the dish from the oven. Gently flip the chicken. Top with three quarters of the cheese. Add the broccoli on top. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese.
- Bake another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees F.
- Remove the chicken from the oven. Slice and serve!
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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