Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe: A Cheesy Family Favorite

Crafting a mouth-watering crispy cheddar chicken dish brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Cheese lovers find instant delight in this golden-brown masterpiece.

Crunchy textures and rich flavors combine beautifully with simple ingredients.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together without complicated techniques.

Pantry staples become extraordinary when mixed with sharp cheddar and tender chicken pieces.

Each bite promises a delectable experience that satisfies serious hunger pangs.

Dive into this recipe and watch your family request seconds.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of crackers instead of Ritz crackers?

Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs, cornflake crumbs, or other similar dry breadcrumb alternatives for a similar crispy texture.

• Is it necessary to use cheddar cheese specifically?

No, you can swap cheddar with other melting cheeses like monterey jack, colby, or mozzarella depending on your preference and what you have available.

• How can I ensure the chicken stays moist while baking?

Dipping the chicken in milk before coating helps keep the meat tender, and drizzling melted butter adds extra moisture during the baking process. Also, avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature.

Crispy Cheddar Chicken Overview

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious chicken dish with minimal prep and simple ingredients everyone loves, making dinner stress-free and satisfying.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: The crispy Ritz cracker coating and melted cheddar cheese create an irresistible combination that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates at the table.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, or weekend gatherings, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal that feels special without complicated techniques.
• Customizable Flavor Boost: Easily adjust seasonings in the cracker mixture to suit your taste preferences, allowing you to experiment with different spice levels and herb combinations for a personalized touch.

Ingredients for Crispy Cheddar Chicken

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender protein that serves as the base for this crispy and flavorful dish.

• Ritz Crackers, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A crunchy and seasoned mixture that provides a delicious crispy exterior to the chicken.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, tangy flavor and helps create a golden-brown crust.

• Milk: Helps the cheese and cracker coating adhere to the chicken.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps the coating become extra crispy and golden brown.

How to Prepare Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crispy Coating

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients until they’re well combined and looking deliciously seasoned.

Step 3: Prepare Dipping Stations

• First bowl: Pour in some milk
• Second bowl: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

• Dunk it in the milk
• Roll it in the cheddar cheese
• Coat it with the cracker mixture

Make sure each piece is totally covered in the crispy goodness.

Step 5: Arrange in Baking Dish

Place the coated chicken pieces in your prepared baking dish.

Drizzle melted butter across the top to help create an extra golden exterior.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Helpful Tips for Crispy Cheddar Chicken

• Crush Ritz crackers finely for an extra crispy coating that adheres perfectly to the chicken.
• Generously press shredded cheddar onto the chicken to create a deliciously cheesy crust that melts beautifully.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F for safe and juicy results every time.
• Drizzling melted butter before baking adds rich flavor and helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for those with dietary restrictions.

Flavor Variations for Crispy Cheddar Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch Chicken: Replace Ritz crackers with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Low-Carb Parmesan Chicken: Swap Ritz crackers with grated Parmesan cheese and ground almonds, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the crispy coating.
• Herb-Infused Chicken Variation: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the cracker coating for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Chicken: Add finely chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the cracker mixture for a zesty, heat-packed coating that elevates the classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Cheddar Chicken

• Perfect Plate Partners: Pair this crispy cheddar chicken with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting classic combo.
• Fresh Garden Companions: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans to add color and nutrition.
• Sauce Sensation: Drizzle a tangy honey mustard or zesty ranch dressing over the chicken to enhance its savory crunch and provide extra flavor depth.
• Light Side Kick: Create a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheesy chicken and provide a refreshing contrast.

Storage Tips for Crispy Cheddar Chicken

• Store leftover crispy cheddar chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken.

Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent crispy cheddar chicken delivers a golden-crusted delight with incredible flavor. Cheese-coated chicken breasts create a mouthwatering main dish seasoned with savory herbs and satisfying crunch that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) crushed Ritz crackers

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted butter

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Instructions

1. Calibrate oven temperature to 375F (190C) and apply a light butter coating to a rectangular baking vessel.
2. Pulverize Ritz crackers into fine crumbs, then integrate with aromatic garlic powder, vibrant paprika, mineral salt, and freshly ground pepper in a mixing container.
3. Arrange two shallow dishes: one filled with cool milk, the other generously sprinkled with shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Immerse each chicken breast first into the milk bath, ensuring complete coverage, then transfer to the cheddar cheese station and thoroughly coat the surface.
5. Delicately roll the cheese-covered chicken through the seasoned cracker mixture, pressing gently to create a uniform, crispy exterior.
6. Strategically arrange coated chicken pieces within the prepared baking dish, maintaining slight separation between portions.
7. Drizzle melted butter uniformly across the chicken surface, promoting golden browning and enhanced flavor complexity.
8. Transfer to preheated oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the exterior transforms into a rich golden-brown hue and internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
9. Remove from oven and allow a brief resting period to seal in succulent juices before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor profile.
• Crush Ritz crackers finely to ensure an even, crispy coating that adheres perfectly to the chicken.
• For a gluten-free version, swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to maintain the crunch.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp white cheddar or smoked gouda to add unique depth to the dish’s flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 55 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg