This crispy broccoli cheddar chicken is a dream: crispy breaded chicken topped with roasted broccoli and melty sharp cheddar for an easy, delicious weeknight dinner. We are obsessed!
A new way to love broccoli and chicken? Count me in.
This has quickly become a family favorite. It gets everyone eating broccoli — a rare win in our house — and delivers perfectly crispy chicken, gooey cheddar with crunchy browned bits, and roasted broccoli that’s just right.
Best of all, you can make the whole meal in one baking dish.
I love that the chicken and veggies roast together in one pan — it’s efficient and makes cleanup simple. If you love broccoli as much as I do, make extra. Otherwise, everything here pairs perfectly with a simple side.
Broccoli cheddar combinations are irresistible: the sharp cheese and bright broccoli just work. I used to avoid vegetables as a kid, but broccoli cheddar was always tempting — now I appreciate it fully.
I often make variations of crispy baked chicken at home — it’s an easy go-to the whole family enjoys. Sometimes we serve the chicken straight from the pan with a dipping sauce, other times I dress it up like this broccoli cheddar melt.
I LOVE IT.
How this comes together
Start with a light breading: an egg wash followed by a mix of fine breadcrumbs and panko for crunch and even coverage. Bake the chicken briefly in a baking dish (about 10–12 minutes) to set and crisp the crust so it doesn’t get soggy when the toppings go on.
While the chicken begins to bake, give the broccoli a quick steam in the microwave with a splash of water so it finishes roasting in the oven rather than staying too crisp. Toss the broccoli with a little olive oil and seasoning.
When the chicken has started to crisp, flip each breast in the pan, sprinkle most of the cheese over the chicken, add the broccoli on top, then finish with the remaining cheddar. Return to the oven for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches 165°F. You’ll get gooey cheese and those irresistible crispy browned cheese edges on the pan.
Slice and serve with your favorite side — rice, pasta, a salad, or something like parmesan orzo, a crunchy Brussels sprouts slaw, or a spring pasta salad.
This dish is straightforward, comforting, and satisfying: juicy chicken, sharp cheddar, and perfectly roasted broccoli in one pan — everyone loves it.
The combination of juicy chicken and melty cheddar with roasted broccoli makes for a meal the whole family will request again and again.
Broccoli Cheddar Melt Chicken
Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Melt Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (thin-sliced preferred)
- kosher salt and pepper
- garlic powder
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 ½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs (mix of panko and fine breadcrumbs recommended)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
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Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place beaten eggs in one bowl and breadcrumbs in another. Dip each chicken piece in the egg, then press into the breadcrumbs to coat. Arrange chicken in the baking dish without overlapping.
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Bake the chicken for 10–12 minutes to begin crisping the coating.
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While the chicken bakes, place broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with about 2 tablespoons water and microwave for 2 minutes to steam slightly. Drain any excess water.
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Toss the broccoli with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
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Remove the dish from the oven and gently flip each chicken breast. Sprinkle three-quarters of the cheddar over the chicken, add the broccoli on top, and finish with the remaining cheese.
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Return to the oven and bake another 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
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Remove from the oven, slice, and serve.
Did you make this recipe?
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I call all the crispy cheese!