If you’re looking for a dinner that delivers golden crunch, cheesy goodness, and serious comfort all in one bite, then Crispy Cheddar Chicken is going to be your new go-to recipe! With a juicy chicken center, a blanket of melty cheddar, and a buttery Ritz cracker crust that bakes up irresistibly crisp, this dish has it all. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but guaranteed to wow at Sunday supper. Let’s dive into the ultimate cheesy, crunchy chicken experience!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken shines with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one plays a pivotal role, from adding flavor and texture to making sure every bite lives up to the name. Here’s what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip a single one:
- Chicken breasts: The star of the show, boneless and skinless for tenderness and easy coating.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers gooey cheesiness and bold flavor—freshly shredded is best.
- Crushed Ritz crackers: Adds an unbeatable buttery crunch to every bite.
- Garlic powder: Infuses each layer with savory, aromatic notes for depth.
- Paprika: Boosts color and offers a gentle warmth to the crust.
- Salt: Essential for bringing harmony and boosting all those savory flavors.
- Black pepper: Gives just a touch of mild heat for balance.
- Large eggs: Help the coatings stick and ensure a cohesive, crisp shell.
- Milk: Loosens the egg wash for smooth, even coverage.
- Butter (melted): Drizzled on top for that golden, luxurious finish.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, colorful touch as a garnish.
How to Make Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Pan
Start off right by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and give your chicken plenty of room to brown evenly. Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel—this not only helps the coating adhere but also ensures the crispiest crust.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Stations
Grab three shallow bowls. In the first, beat together the eggs and milk until smooth. The second bowl is for your cracker coating: mix the crushed Ritz crackers with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In your third bowl, add the shredded cheddar cheese. Lining up your stations means less mess and a smoother assembly line!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Working one at a time, dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture and turn to coat. Next, press the chicken into the shredded cheddar, sprinkling and pressing more cheese on top to encourage it to stick. Finally, roll the chicken in the cracker mixture, patting all sides for full coverage. The layers may get a bit gooey but that’s exactly what yields a thick, satisfying crust!
Step 4: Arrange and Butter
Place the fully coated chicken breasts into your prepared baking dish, arranging them so they aren’t touching. Drizzle the melted butter over the tops—this touch is pure magic for achieving that signature crispy, golden finish.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy, Cheesy Perfection
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until the cracker crust is a deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. This two-step bake keeps the chicken juicy while ensuring the outside crisps up beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness and a burst of color. Serve the Crispy Cheddar Chicken piping hot, and get ready for a table full of smiles!
How to Serve Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way here! Chopped fresh parsley not only offers color and a fresh bite, but it also balances out the richness of the cheddar and buttery crust. A squeeze of lemon is a lovely optional add-in for brightness.
Side Dishes
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is hearty enough to be the hero, but pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice is always a hit. Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad add fresh contrast and round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get fancy, slice the Crispy Cheddar Chicken on a diagonal and fan it out on a platter. For parties or game-day snacks, cut into strips or nuggets for a shareable, kid-friendly appetizer. You can even tuck thin slices into a sandwich roll with lettuce and tomato for a jaw-dropping chicken sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Cheddar Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, let the chicken cool completely before storing so the crust stays firmer.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each cooled chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen Crispy Cheddar Chicken can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until hot and crunchy. A toaster oven works great, too! Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the cracker crust and makes it less crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken tenders instead of whole chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken tenders make portioning easier and cook a bit quicker—just check them a few minutes earlier to avoid overbaking. They’re also a perfect pick for kid-friendly dinners.
Is it better to use pre-shredded cheese or freshly grated?
Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts better and is less likely to clump, so it’s my first choice. However, pre-shredded will work if you’re in a hurry—just press it onto the chicken really well so it sticks.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers, buttery club crackers or even seasoned panko breadcrumbs will do. The end result may have a slightly different flavor or texture, but it’ll still deliver delicious crunch!
How do I check if my chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer: the center should read 165°F (74°C). If you cut into the thickest part and the juices run clear and there’s no pink, you’re good to go.
Can I prep this dish in advance?
You can assemble the chicken (dip, cheese, and cracker coat) and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 8 hours before baking. Just drizzle with butter and bake as directed when you’re ready to eat, adding an extra 5 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cheesy, crunchy, and downright comforting, make Crispy Cheddar Chicken your next dinner adventure. You’ll love how easy it is, but the rave reviews you’ll get will be the real reward. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your weeknight lineup!
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Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make baked chicken dish that features a crispy cheese coating. This family-friendly recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Coating:
- 1½ cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Coating Preparation:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a second bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the shredded cheddar cheese in a third bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat in shredded cheddar cheese, pressing gently to help it stick. Roll the chicken in the cracker mixture to coat completely.
- Bake: Place the coated chicken breasts in the baking dish, drizzle with melted butter, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, but freshly shredded cheddar melts better and sticks more easily.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
