Name: Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re looking for something irresistibly crispy, cheesy, and downright comforting, then Crispy Cheddar Chicken absolutely deserves a spot on your dinner table. This oven-baked masterpiece gives you juicy chicken sealed inside a golden, crunchy cheddar and cracker crust that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll crave year-round, big on taste yet easy enough to whip up even on a busy weeknight. Whether you want a family favorite or a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Crispy Cheddar Chicken never disappoints!

Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of making Crispy Cheddar Chicken is that you only need a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing its part in creating that trademark crispy, cheesy crust. Quality cheese, crackers, and just the right blend of spices bring the whole dish together!

Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless pieces—they cook quickly and stay tender under the crispy coating.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar delivers a gooey melt and punchy flavor, truly the star of the crust.
Ritz Crackers: These buttery crackers crush up into the perfect crumb for a crispy, flavorful breading.
Garlic Powder: Just a sprinkle adds a subtle savory depth that highlights the cheese.
Paprika: This gives your crust a gentle warmth and gorgeous golden color.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best for a light peppery kick in the coating.
Milk: Dipping in milk helps the crumb crust stick to the chicken evenly.
All-purpose Flour: This classic dredge step ensures every bit of chicken is ready for the cheesy crust.
Butter (melted): A drizzle on top ensures extra crunch and brings out the best flavor in every bite.
Chopped Parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful finish if you want to add a little flair before serving.

How to Make Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F so it’s nice and hot by the time you’re ready. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This helps your Crispy Cheddar Chicken release easily and get that irresistible bottom crunch.

Step 2: Flatten the Chicken

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness. This guarantees quick, even cooking and juicier chicken every time—nobody wants a dry piece, right?

Step 3: Set Up Your Dredging Stations

Take out three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, pour your flour. In the second, add the milk. In the third, mix together the shredded cheddar, crushed Ritz crackers, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. This assembly line is your ticket to perfectly coated Crispy Cheddar Chicken from edge to edge.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Now, take each chicken breast and dredge it first in the flour (shake off any excess), then dip it into the milk, and lastly, press it firmly into the cheddar-cracker mixture—make sure every part is coated. The crispier, the better!

Step 5: Arrange and Butter

Place each coated chicken breast in your prepared baking dish, giving them a little room to let the heat circulate. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of each piece. This extra step adds luscious flavor and helps the crust get golden and crisp as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Your Crispy Cheddar Chicken is ready when the crust is audibly crisp and deep golden, and the meat inside registers 165°F in the thickest part. Rest for a minute or two before serving—if you can wait!

How to Serve Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of your baked Crispy Cheddar Chicken for a burst of color and a fresh finish. If you’re in the mood, add an extra handful of cheese or a dusting of paprika before serving for a little extra flair.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with mellow sides that let the crispy crust shine. Mashed potatoes, green beans, or a crisp garden salad are always winners. Roasted vegetables or buttery corn are also great for soaking up any cheesy goodness left on the plate!

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Crispy Cheddar Chicken into strips for homemade cheesy chicken fingers, or slice it over a big salad to turn a weeknight dinner into something extra special. Serve mini portions as sliders or party bites at your next gathering—the options are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Crispy Cheddar Chicken left (lucky you!), store the cooled pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The coating stays surprisingly crunchy if you avoid stacking the pieces directly on top of each other.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooked, cooled chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to two months. This way, you can grab just one piece or several whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat your Crispy Cheddar Chicken in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes. You can also use an air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crunch, but avoid the microwave if possible—it makes the coating soft and sad.

FAQs

Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken tenders are perfect if you want smaller, kid-friendly portions or finger food. Just reduce the baking time by about 5–10 minutes since tenders cook faster than full breasts.

What’s the best way to crush the Ritz crackers?

The easiest method is to place the crackers in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. You can also pulse them in a food processor for super even crumbs, but a few chunky bits add extra texture!

Can I make Crispy Cheddar Chicken gluten free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free crackers in place of Ritz. Double-check that your cheese is gluten free too, and you’re set.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

Pre-shredded cheese is definitely convenient, but freshly shredded cheddar melts better and gives the crust a smoother, richer texture. If you only have pre-shredded on hand, go ahead and use it—your Crispy Cheddar Chicken will still be delicious.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can coat the chicken a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake, which is great if you’re busy in the evening. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give Crispy Cheddar Chicken a try soon—it’s the kind of dish that instantly becomes a family favorite, thanks to its unbeatable combination of crunch, flavor, and melty cheddar goodness. Every bite feels a little bit like home, and you’ll love how simple it is to make from scratch. Enjoy sharing this crowd-pleaser with everyone at your table!

Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy way to elevate your weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy cheddar and cracker crust, baked to golden perfection. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese Mixture:

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Cracker Coating:

1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Other:

1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts slightly.
Coating stations: Set up three bowls for flour, milk, and a mixture of cheddar, crackers, and spices.
Dredge and coat: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then milk, and coat with the cheddar-cracker mixture.
Bake: Place coated chicken in the baking dish, drizzle with butter, and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.