Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a deliciously cheesy and crunchy dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. With a crispy Ritz cracker crust and a creamy sauce on the side, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings while being simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 4 large chicken breasts
• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed into crumbs
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup milk
• 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Cut each chicken breast into 3 equal pieces and set aside.
3. Step 3: Prepare three shallow bowls: pour milk into the first, place grated cheddar cheese in the second, and combine crushed Ritz crackers, salt, and black pepper in the third.
4. Step 4: Dip each piece of chicken first into the milk, then coat with cheddar cheese, and finally cover with the Ritz cracker mixture. Repeat for all pieces.
5. Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking pan and sprinkle dried parsley over them.
6. Step 6: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 30–35 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken is golden and crispy.
8. Step 8: While the chicken bakes, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking until hot and smooth.
9. Step 9: Serve the crispy cheddar chicken hot, accompanied by the creamy sauce. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the Ritz cracker mixture.
• Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor or mix cheddar with mozzarella for added gooeyness.
• Substitute cream of mushroom soup if you prefer a different sauce base.
• To keep the chicken moist, avoid overbaking and check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The crispy coating may soften upon reheating, so reheating in an oven is recommended to maintain crunchiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used and will remain juicy. Adjust baking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy milk with a plant-based milk and use dairy-free cheddar-style cheese and sour cream alternatives to make it dairy-free.

Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 75 reviews

This Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated with a crunchy Ritz cracker and cheddar cheese crust, baked to golden perfection and served with a creamy, rich sauce made from cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter. It’s an easy, flavorful dish perfect for a hearty family meal.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 pieces (serves 4-6) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crispy Cheddar Chicken:

• 4 large chicken breasts
• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed into crumbs
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup milk
• 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 tsp dried parsley

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Cut Chicken: Cut each of the large chicken breasts into three equal pieces to create more manageable portions that will cook evenly.
3. Prepare Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: pour milk into the first bowl, place the grated cheddar cheese in the second bowl, and in the third bowl combine crushed Ritz crackers with salt and freshly ground black pepper, mixing well.
4. Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the milk bowl to moisten, then coat thoroughly with shredded cheddar cheese, followed by a coating of the seasoned Ritz cracker crumbs. Repeat the process for all chicken pieces to ensure an even crunchy crust.
5. Arrange and Season: Place the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking pan in a single layer. Sprinkle dried parsley evenly on top to add color and a mild herb flavor.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. This step cooks the chicken through while maintaining moisture.
7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes uncovered to crisp up the cheddar and cracker coating and achieve a golden brown finish.
8. Prepare Creamy Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter in a saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat, whisking gently until the mixture is smooth, warm, and fully combined.
9. Serve: Remove the crispy cheddar chicken from the oven and serve hot, accompanied by the creamy sauce. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting meal!

Notes

• For extra crispiness, ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with cheese and cracker crumbs.
• Using aluminum foil during the initial bake keeps the chicken moist and tender.
• You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
• This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: crispy cheddar chicken, baked chicken breasts, cheesy chicken recipe, comfort food, easy chicken dinner