Cheddar-Garlic Chicken Breast

[Roxy]

Cheddar-Garlic Chicken Breast:

 

This is for serious garlic lovers and the chicken bakes out so moist and tender! Grated cheese may be sprinkled on top of the breast the last 5 minutes of cooking if desired, but. that is only optional, double all ingredients for more than four breasts and adjust the amount of garlic to suit taste, for the coating amount you might be able to get away with 5 or maybe 6 very small chicken breasts, but, I would suggest to increase the amount slighty --- to take this dish to yet another level, about 10 minutes before the cooking time is finished, drizzle the top of the chicken with a little pasta sauce then sprinkle Mozzarella Cheese on top, return to oven for about 10 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked and sauce is hot and cheese has melted --- for a lemon-garlic flavor add in 3 tablespoons lemon juice to the melted butter/garlic mixture.

 

1/3 cup butter, melted

2 tablespoons minced garlic (use 2 tablespoons for extreme flavor!)

1 teaspoon garlic powder (can use more)

1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt (or to taste, or use white salt)

1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumb (can use 3/4 cup)

1/2 cup finely grated Cheddar Cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

4 boneless skinless chicken breast

grated Cheddar Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese (optional, use any amount desired)

 

Set oven to 350 degrees F.

 

Butter an 11 x 7-inch pan (if using more than 4 breasts use a larger pan).

 

In a bowl, combine melted butter with fresh minced garlic, garlic powder and salt.

 

In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup finely grated cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese and coarse ground black pepper.

 

Dip chicken in butter mixture; then in crumb mixture.

 

Place in prepared pan and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until juices run clear, or you may bake covered for 15 minutes and uncover for the remainder of the cooking time, baking uncovered will create a crispier crust.

 

**NOTE** for moist tender breasts cooking time should take no more than at the most 35 minutes unless they are very large then you might have to add on a couple extra minutes).

 

Top with shredded Cheddar or Mozzarella the last 5 minutes of cooking (this is only optional).