What Cheese Goes Best With Chicken?

When it comes to pairing cheese with chicken, many people think of the classic chicken Parmesan dish, with its melted mozzarella and tangy marinara sauce. However, there are many other types of cheese that can complement the flavors of chicken in different ways. 

In this article, we will explore the different types of cheese that work well with chicken and the best ways to pair them.

Types of Cheese

When pairing cheese with chicken, it’s important to consider the texture and flavor of the cheese. Here are some popular types of cheese that work well with chicken:

Hard Cheeses

• Parmesan: This sharp, nutty cheese is a classic choice for grating over pasta dishes, but it can also be used to add flavor and texture to chicken dishes. It can be used as a topping or as an ingredient in bread.
• Pecorino: This sheep’s milk cheese is similar to Parmesan in flavor and texture, but it has a stronger, saltier taste. It can be used in the same way as Parmesan.
• Asiago: This cow’s milk cheese is a bit milder than Parmesan and Pecorino, but it still has a nutty, tangy flavor. It can be used grated or as a topping.

Semi-Hard Cheeses

• Gouda: This Dutch cheese has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a smooth texture. It can be used grated or as a topping on chicken dishes.
• Cheddar: This versatile cheese is a staple in many households. It can be used in a variety of ways with chicken, such as in a cheese sauce or as a topping.
• Colby Jack: This mild cheese is a combination of Colby and Monterey Jack. It can be used as a topping or as an ingredient in bread.

Soft Cheeses

• Feta: This tangy, crumbly cheese is made from sheep’s or goat’s milk. It can be used in a variety of ways with chicken, such as in a salad, as a topping, or in a stuffing.
• Brie: This soft, creamy cheese is made from cow’s milk. It can be used as a topping or as an ingredient in a sauce.
• Chevre: This tangy, creamy cheese is made from goat’s milk. It can be used as a topping or as an ingredient in a sauce.

How to Pair Cheese with Chicken

When it comes to pairing cheese with chicken, there are different ways to use them depending on the cooking method. Here are some examples:

Grilled Chicken

• Hard Cheeses: Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino can be used as a topping for grilled chicken. You can sprinkle them over the chicken before grilling or add them to a breading mix for a crispy crust.
• Semi-Hard Cheeses: Semi-hard cheeses like Gouda and Cheddar can also be used as a topping for grilled chicken. You can also use them to make a cheese sauce to pour over the grilled chicken.

Baked Chicken

• Soft Cheeses: Soft cheeses like Feta and Chevre can be used as a topping for baked chicken. They can also be used to make a stuffing for the chicken.
• Semi-Hard Cheeses: Semi-hard cheeses like Brie can be used as a topping for baked chicken. They can also be used to make a cheese sauce to pour over the baked chicken.

Fried Chicken

• Hard Cheeses: Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino can be used in a breading mix for a crispy crust.
• Semi-Hard Cheeses: Semi-hard cheeses like Colby Jack and Cheddar can also be used in a breading mix for a crispy crust.

Recipes

Here are some recipe ideas to get you started on using different types of cheese with chicken:

Grilled Chicken with Parmesan:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
4. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve with your favorite side dish.

Baked Chicken with Brie and Prosciutto:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices of prosciutto
• 4 slices of Brie cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
3. Wrap each chicken breast with a slice of prosciutto.
4. Top each chicken breast with a slice of Brie cheese.
5. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve with your favorite side dish.

Fried Chicken with Colby Jack and Jalapeño

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups crushed corn flakes
• 1 cup grated Colby Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup diced jalapeño
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper.
2. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
3. In a third shallow dish, mix together the crushed cornflakes, Colby Jack cheese and diced jalapeño.
4. 4. Dip each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then the beaten eggs, and finally the cornflake mixture, making sure to coat each breast evenly.

5. In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
6. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet and fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate.
8. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Conclusion

When it comes to pairing cheese with chicken, there are many options to choose from. Whether you prefer hard, semi-hard or soft cheese, there’s a way to incorporate them into your chicken dishes to add a delicious, rich and creamy flavor. 

From grating hard cheeses over pasta dishes, to making a cheese sauce or stuffing with soft cheeses, the possibilities are endless. With this guide, you should be well on your way to experimenting with different types of cheese and creating unique and delicious chicken dishes.

Can I use shredded cheese instead of grated cheese in my chicken dishes?

Yes, you can use shredded cheese instead of grated cheese in your chicken dishes. However, grated cheese will melt more evenly and quickly, as it is in smaller pieces. 

Shredded cheese may take longer to melt and may not melt as evenly.

Can I use processed cheese instead of real cheese in my chicken dishes?

While processed cheese can be used in chicken dishes, it is not recommended. Processed cheese is made with a combination of cheese and other ingredients, and it doesn’t have the same flavor and texture as real cheese. 

Real cheese will give your chicken dishes a more authentic and rich flavor.

Can I use frozen grated cheese in my chicken dishes?

Yes, you can use frozen grated cheese in your chicken dishes. However, it is best to thaw the cheese before using it so that it melts evenly and doesn’t clump together.

Can I use any type of cheese for breading my chicken?

While you can use any type of cheese for breading your chicken, it’s best to use hard cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino for a crispy crust. Soft cheeses may not stay on the chicken as well or add as much flavor.

Can I use cheese alternatives like soy or almond cheese for my chicken dishes?

While cheese alternatives like soy or almond cheese can be used in chicken dishes, they may not have the same texture or flavor as real cheese. Additionally, they often don’t melt as well as real cheese. 

However, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, these alternatives can be a good choice. Keep in mind that the taste and texture may be different from traditional cheese, so it’s best to experiment and find one that you like.