Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe

Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy, cheesy crust. The combination of cheddar cheese, buttery cracker crumbs, and a rich, creamy sauce makes this meal irresistible. It’s an easy dinner option that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Cheesy – A golden, crunchy coating with sharp cheddar flavor.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Family-Friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Versatile – Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
• Great for Meal Prep – Stores well for leftovers.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 1½ cups crushed)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons milk

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Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Coating

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and place them in a shallow bowl.
3. In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs.
4. In a third bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

1. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
2. Press the chicken into the cheddar cheese mixture, ensuring the cheese sticks well.
3. Roll the coated chicken in the cracker crumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

1. Place the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish.
2. Drizzle melted butter over the top to enhance crispiness.
3. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. While the chicken is baking, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir until smooth and heated through, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the crispy cheddar chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. Drizzle with the creamy sauce or serve it on the side.

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Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
• Herb-Flavored – Mix dried parsley, thyme, or oregano into the cracker crumbs.
• Extra Crunchy – Use Panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers.
• Different Cheese – Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for a unique flavor.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free crackers and cream of chicken soup.

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Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 45–50 minutes

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap baked chicken in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to retain crispiness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the cheese from falling off while baking?

Press the cheese firmly onto the chicken before adding the cracker crumbs. Chilling the coated chicken for 10 minutes before baking also helps it adhere.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and provide extra juiciness. Adjust the baking time as needed.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can coat the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 6 hours before baking. Add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.

What sides pair well with crispy cheddar chicken?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh green salad complement this dish perfectly.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

A homemade sauce made with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk can replace canned soup.

How do I make this lower in fat?

Use reduced-fat cheese, light sour cream, and a lower-fat butter alternative.

Can I add bacon to this recipe?

Absolutely! Sprinkle cooked and crumbled bacon over the chicken before serving for extra flavor.

What other crackers can I use?

Club crackers, saltines, or even cornflakes can be used instead of Ritz.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Freshly shredded cheese melts better, but pre-shredded works fine. Just be aware that it may not stick as well due to anti-caking agents.

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Conclusion

Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a simple yet satisfying dish that delivers a perfect balance of crunch, cheesy goodness, and creamy richness. Whether you serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite. Try it out for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal!

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