Crispy Cheddar Chicken: A Simple and Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Craving the satisfying crunch of fried chicken without the guilt? This Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe is your answer! Juicy chicken breasts coated in a golden, cheesy crust bake up perfectly crispy in the oven—no deep frying required. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests, it’s comfort food made smart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Without the Oil: Oven-baked to golden perfection.
• Cheesy Goodness: Reduced-fat cheddar adds flavor without the points overload.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Kid-Friendly: Picky eaters will beg for seconds.
• Meal Prep Star: Reheats beautifully for lunches or quick dinners.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs, pounded to even thickness)
• 1/2 cup whole-grain panko breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (finely grated)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt (or 2 egg whites for binding)
• Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)

Instructions

Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.

Mix the Coating

1. In a shallow dish, combine panko, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, pepper, and salt.

Coat the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Dip each breast into the Greek yogurt (or egg whites), ensuring it’s fully coated.
2. Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat evenly. Place on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake to Crispy Perfection

1. Lightly spray the top of each chicken breast with cooking spray (this helps crisp the coating).
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serve & Enjoy

1. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with a squeeze of lemon, a dollop of fat-free sour cream, or WW-friendly dipping sauce.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving: 1 chicken breast)

• Calories: ~220
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• WW SmartPoints: 4 (with Greek yogurt) or 5 (if using egg whites and cooking spray).

Tips for Success

1. Extra Crispy: Use an air fryer at 375°F for 15-18 minutes (spray basket with cooking spray).
2. Spice It Up: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coating mix.
3. Cheese Swap: Try reduced-fat Mexican blend or mozzarella for a twist.
4. Double the Crunch: Mix crushed cornflakes with panko for added texture.

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers

• Lean Protein: Chicken breasts are a zero-point staple (depending on your plan).
• Smart Breading: Whole-grain panko and reduced-fat cheese cut calories without sacrificing crunch.
• Portion Control: Each serving is perfectly sized to keep points in check.

Serving Ideas

• With Veggies: Pair with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or a zucchini noodle salad.
• Dip It: Serve with a side of Greek yogurt ranch or sugar-free BBQ sauce.
• Over Greens: Slice and add to a salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Comfort Bowl: Serve over cauliflower rice with steamed green beans.

Crispy Cheddar Chicken is proof that you don’t have to give up your favorite comfort foods to stay on plan. With its crunchy, cheesy coating and juicy interior, this dish feels indulgent but fits seamlessly into your SmartPoints budget. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.