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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/crispy-cheddar-chicken-recipe/