Garlic Cheddar Chicken

Remember that Watermelon Feta Salad I told you about? 

...that was oh, so scrumptious and refreshing?

Well, it was paired with a yummy, crispy, crunchy, juicy chicken recipe that makes me question what culinary wonder made it. That not-so-culinary-wonder (more really-good-recipe-follower) was me! WHAT?!?! I generally avoid dishes that are just meat and usually gravitate more towards dishes that have meat mixed in. Rice, pasta, salads, etc. I think it has to do with growing up eating well done (dry) meat dishes that I thought I didn't like. Turns out I like my red meat prepared medium, and chicken can actually be made juicy! When I first made this, it was so juicy that I thought it was under-cooked. Hubby happily informed me that I had actually made it perfect!

Super yummy, and super easy! Dipped in garlic butter, coated in our favorite 7-year cheddar, and juicy and crunchy like it came from your favorite fried chicken place. The best part: It's baked, not fried! Oh, happy day!

Garlic Cheddar Chicken

from allrecipes.com

• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded thin
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• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• 
  
• 2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat, and cook the garlic until tender, about 5 minutes.
• 
  
• 3. In a shallow bowl, mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Cheddar cheese, parsley, oregano, pepper, and salt.
• 
  
• 4. Dip each chicken breast in the garlic butter to coat, then press into the bread crumb mixture. Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Drizzle with any remaining butter and top with any remaining bread crumb mixture.
• 
  
• 5. Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.

...extra makes good sandwiches the next day.