Description
Crispy cheddar chicken delivers a golden, cheesy delight that elevates weeknight dinners. Crushed crackers and sharp cheddar create a irresistible coating for tender chicken breasts that home cooks will savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
Coating and Seasoning:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly greasing a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Gently tenderize chicken breasts using a meat mallet, creating an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Create a three-station breading assembly: first bowl filled with milk, second bowl with shredded cheddar, and third bowl containing cracker crumbs seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Transform each chicken breast by first dipping into milk, ensuring complete moisture coverage, then generously pressing cheddar onto the surface, and finally encasing with seasoned cracker crumbs for a crispy exterior.
- Arrange the fully coated chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish, then elegantly drizzle melted butter across the top to enhance browning and flavor.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a golden-brown crust and internal temperature indicates complete cooking.
- Present the crispy cheddar chicken immediately, accompanied by complementary side dishes that harmonize with the rich, cheesy profile.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful result.
- Ensure crackers are finely crushed to create an even, crispy coating that adheres perfectly to the chicken.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed almond flour mixed with seasonings.
- Pat chicken dry before coating to help the milk and cheese stick better, creating a crunchier exterior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 635 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg