Description
Crispy cheddar chicken brings golden, cheesy perfection to weeknight dinner tables with irresistible crunch. Cheese-coated chicken breasts deliver comfort and flavor that will make dinner guests swoon with delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 1 cup, crushed)
Seasonings:
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Create three distinct preparation stations: one with milk, another with shredded cheddar cheese, and the third with crushed Ritz crackers seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Transform each chicken breast into a crispy delight by first submerging it in milk, then generously coating with shredded cheddar cheese, and finally pressing firmly into the seasoned cracker mixture to ensure complete coverage.
- Arrange the cheese-crusted chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, then enhance flavor by drizzling melted butter over the top.
- Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 165F and the exterior develops a golden, crunchy crust.
- During baking, craft a complementary sauce by combining cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk in a saucepan, gently warming over medium heat and stirring occasionally.
- Once chicken is fully cooked, remove from oven and serve immediately, optionally drizzling the warm sauce over the crispy cheddar chicken for added richness.
Notes
- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness throughout.
- Crush Ritz crackers finely but not too powdery to maintain a delightful textural crunch that adds depth to the coating.
- Replace regular milk with buttermilk for extra tenderness and a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg