Description
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a delicious, family-friendly dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crunchy cheddar and buttery cracker crust, served with a creamy sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and place in a shallow bowl.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk eggs.
- In a third bowl, mix shredded cheddar cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
- Press chicken into cheddar cheese mixture, ensuring cheese sticks well.
- Roll coated chicken in cracker crumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
- Place coated chicken in prepared baking dish.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and crust is golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- While chicken is baking, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until smooth and heated through, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Drizzle with creamy sauce or serve on the side.
Notes
- Spicy Kick – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to egg mixture.
- Herb-Flavored – Mix dried parsley, thyme, or oregano into 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crispy cheddar chicken, baked chicken recipe, cheesy chicken, easy dinner recipe, family-friendly meal