Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Introduction

When I first made this Crispy Cheddar Chicken, I was amazed at how quickly it became a family favorite. The crunchy, cheesy coating pairs perfectly with the tender chicken inside, and the optional creamy sauce takes the dish to another level. My kids, who are sometimes picky eaters, couldn’t get enough of it, and even my husband, who isn’t a big fan of chicken breasts, raved about how flavorful and juicy the chicken turned out. The combination of cheddar cheese, Ritz crackers, and seasonings created the perfect crispy exterior, and the creamy sauce (if you decide to make it) adds a rich and comforting touch. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something to serve at a family gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 1 cup, crushed)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Optional Cream Sauce:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Prepare Coating:

1. In one shallow bowl, pour in the milk.
2. In a second shallow bowl, place the shredded cheddar cheese.
3. In a third shallow bowl, crush the Ritz crackers until they are fine crumbs. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the cracker crumbs and mix well to combine.

Coat Chicken:

1. Dip each chicken breast into the milk, coating it evenly.
2. Next, coat the chicken in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure to press it in so it sticks.
3. Finally, press the cheese-coated chicken breast into the crushed Ritz crackers, ensuring the chicken is completely coated with the crispy cracker mixture.

Bake:

Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the chicken breasts. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is crispy on the outside and fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Make Sauce (Optional):

While the chicken is baking, you can prepare the optional cream sauce if you like. In a small saucepan, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1 tbsp of milk. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warmed through and smooth. Once the chicken is done, serve the creamy sauce over the top for added richness.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 410 kcal (without sauce)
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 35g

(Note: The nutrition facts for the cream sauce will add approximately 100-150 additional calories per serving, depending on how much sauce you use.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve with Sides: Pair the crispy cheddar chicken with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad.
• Top with Sauce: If you made the cream sauce, drizzle it over the chicken for an extra creamy touch.
• Leftovers: This chicken makes great leftovers, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or served with rice for a second meal.

Additional Tips

1. Add More Cheese: For an extra cheesy crust, feel free to add more cheddar cheese to the cracker mixture. You can also sprinkle some on top of the chicken before baking for an even cheesier finish.
2. Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cracker mixture to give the chicken a spicy kick.
3. Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer bone-in chicken, you can use bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as bone-in chicken takes a bit longer to cook.
4. Double the Recipe: This recipe is easy to double if you’re serving a larger crowd. Just make sure to use a bigger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
5. Try Different Crackers: While Ritz crackers are a classic choice for the coating, feel free to try other types of crackers, such as Saltines or even buttery croissants, for a different flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Herb Coating: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to the cracker mixture for an herbaceous twist.
• Parmesan Cheese: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the cracker coating for a sharper flavor and extra crispiness.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for thick slices of eggplant or zucchini for a vegetarian version of this crispy dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Ranch: For a flavorful change, mix in a packet of ranch seasoning with the crushed crackers to create a ranch-flavored coating.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Salad: Serve the crispy cheddar chicken alongside a simple Caesar salad or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.
• As a Sandwich: Use the chicken in a sandwich or wrap, adding lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments for a quick and easy meal.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or asparagus to make a well-rounded meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked coated chicken breasts. Prepare the chicken up to the point of coating, then arrange the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, just place them in the oven and bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to get the crust crispy again.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to bake them for a bit longer to ensure they’re fully cooked. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I use another type of cheese? Yes! You can use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses to create a different flavor.

3. Can I skip the cream sauce? Yes, you can definitely skip the cream sauce. The crispy cheddar chicken is delicious on its own, but the sauce adds an extra creamy, comforting element.

4. How can I make this dish lower in calories? To lower the calories, you can use a lighter version of the Ritz crackers or opt for a reduced-fat cheese. You can also use a small amount of butter or skip it altogether.

5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before serving.

6. What can I serve with this chicken? Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to complete your meal.

7. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out? To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and remove it from the oven as soon as it hits 165°F (74°C). Also, the milk and cheese coating help keep the chicken moist.

8. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, you can use skinless, boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are a bit more forgiving and can stay moist even if slightly overcooked.

9. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking, then cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

10. Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure you have a large enough baking dish and adjust the cooking time if necessary.

Conclusion

Crispy Cheddar Chicken is an easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy cheese, tender chicken, and a touch of savory seasoning. Whether served with the creamy sauce or on its own, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The crispy coating is addicting, and the chicken stays juicy on the inside, making it the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is a keeper that everyone will love.

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