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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Calibrate oven temperature to 375F (190C) and apply a light butter coating to a rectangular baking vessel.
- Pulverize Ritz crackers into fine crumbs, then integrate with aromatic garlic powder, vibrant paprika, mineral salt, and freshly ground pepper in a mixing container.
- Arrange two shallow dishes: one filled with cool milk, the other generously sprinkled with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Immerse each chicken breast first into the milk bath, ensuring complete coverage, then transfer to the cheddar cheese station and thoroughly coat the surface.
- Delicately roll the cheese-covered chicken through the seasoned cracker mixture, pressing gently to create a uniform, crispy exterior.
- Strategically arrange coated chicken pieces within the prepared baking dish, maintaining slight separation between portions.
- Drizzle melted butter uniformly across the chicken surface, promoting golden browning and enhanced flavor complexity.
- 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).
- 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