This crispy cheddar chicken is the ultimate comfort food, with tender chicken breasts coated in a golden, cheesy crust. It’s a dinner-time favorite that combines crispy, cheesy perfection with an irresistible crunch. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress your guests, this recipe has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a restaurant-quality dish. The cheese-infused coating creates a perfect crunch, while the chicken stays juicy and tender inside. It’s kid-friendly, easy to make, and pairs beautifully with almost any side dish.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need to get started:
- Chicken breasts
- Cheddar cheese
- Crushed Ritz crackers
- Garlic powder
Check the full list of ingredients and exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Flatten the chicken breasts slightly for even cooking.
- Set up a breading station: one bowl with grated cheddar, another with crushed crackers mixed with seasonings, and a third with milk.
- Dip each chicken breast in milk, then cheddar cheese, and finally in the cracker mixture. Press gently to coat well.
- Place the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh cheddar: Grate your own cheddar for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting properly.
- Crush the crackers finely: This ensures the coating sticks well and bakes evenly.
- Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to keep it juicy.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika to the cracker mixture for a hint of heat.
- Healthier version: Use whole-grain crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a lighter option.
- Different cheeses: Swap cheddar for Parmesan or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This crispy cheddar chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad. For an indulgent twist, drizzle with a creamy garlic or ranch sauce. A side of garlic bread or buttered corn also complements it perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work just as well. Adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
3. What’s the best way to crush the crackers?
Place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin for a fine and even texture.
4. Can I air fry this instead of baking?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
Crispy cheddar chicken is everything you want in a comfort food: cheesy, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a simple recipe with big flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to serve up a meal to remember!
Print
Crispy Cheddar Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken combines tender chicken breasts coated in a crunchy, cheesy crust that’s baked to golden perfection. A simple and comforting dish, it’s perfect for family dinners and sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the crushed crackers, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat it with the cracker-cheese mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking dish. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow heat circulation.
- Substitute Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg