Description
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a deliciously indulgent dish with a golden, crispy coating and a tender, juicy inside. The cheese crust brings a perfect balance of crunch and creamy, cheesy flavor, making it an irresistible comfort meal for any occasion. Served with a variety of sides, it’s a full meal that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated preferred)
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30–35 crackers, finely crushed)
½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt as an alternative)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped, for garnish)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Nonstick cooking spray or additional butter for greasing the baking dish
Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a mild heat kick
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness if necessary for uniform cooking.
3. Set up three shallow bowls:
4. Bowl 1: Add sour cream (or Greek yogurt).
5. Bowl 2: Add shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bowl 3: Combine crushed Ritz crackers with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
7. Dip each chicken breast first into the sour cream to coat it, then into the shredded cheddar cheese, and finally press it into the cracker crumb mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
8. Place the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish and drizzle melted butter over each piece or lightly spray with cooking spray.
9. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Make it spicier by adding a dash of hot sauce to the sour cream or upping the cayenne in the cracker mix.
If you prefer a lighter version, swap out the butter drizzle with olive oil spray and use low-fat cheese or yogurt.
Want extra crunch? Try mixing in some panko breadcrumbs with the crushed Ritz for a crispier texture.
Cheddar melting tip: Mild cheddar melts more smoothly, but sharp cheddar packs more flavor—choose based on your preference.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prep and bread the chicken in the morning and refrigerate until dinnertime. Just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 400–450 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600–800mg
- Fat: 25–30g
- Saturated Fat: 10–12g
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: Varies
- Carbohydrates: 20–25g
- Fiber: 1–2g
- Protein: 35–40g
- Cholesterol: 95–100mg
Keywords: cheddar, chicken, crispy, dinner, easy, family-friendly, comfort food