Name: Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 sleeve (about 30) buttery round crackers (like Ritz); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons milk; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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If you crave a meal that wraps comfort and crunch in every bite, Crispy Cheddar Chicken is about to become a new favorite. Imagine tender chicken breasts cloaked in gooey sharp cheddar, hugged by a buttery cracker crust that shatters into irresistible golden crumbs with every forkful. This dish delivers both flavor and fun, making dinner something everyone genuinely looks forward to. Whether you’re feeding a family or just spoiling yourself, this baked chicken promises pure satisfaction with minimal fuss.

Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crispy Cheddar Chicken lies in how straightforward the ingredients are—each one plays a vital role in creating an irresistibly flavorful, perfectly textured dish. Here’s why you don’t want to skip a thing:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and easy to work with, these become wonderfully juicy under all that crunchy, cheesy goodness.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings bold, melt-in-your-mouth flavor that stands out against the crispy coating.
Buttery Round Crackers (like Ritz): These crush up to give the coating its signature buttery, slightly salty crunch—so much more satisfying than plain breadcrumbs.
Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic lifts the whole dish with its savory aroma; it’s subtle but completely essential.
Onion Powder: Adds gentle sweetness and layers of flavor without overpowering the chicken.
Paprika: Offers a hint of smokiness and beautiful warm color that makes each piece even more tempting.
Salt: Just enough to enhance all the other ingredients; taste as you go if you like things less salty.
Black Pepper: A touch of spice balances the richness of the cheese and crackers.
Eggs: Whisked together with milk, they help everything cling to each piece of chicken for full coverage.
Milk: Loosens the egg wash, ensuring a light, even coating.
Butter (melted): Drizzled over the top, this takes the crispy factor to the next level and adds luxurious flavor.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A final garnish for color and a fresh, herby finish.

How to Make Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and the cleanup is just as easy as the cooking. Prepping your pan first lets you move straight from coating the chicken to baking without missing a beat.

Step 2: Crush and Season the Crackers

Take that sleeve of buttery round crackers and crush them into fine crumbs—either in a food processor for speed or the old-fashioned way with a rolling pin and zip-top bag (very satisfying!). Pour those crumbs into a shallow bowl and add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss it all to make sure each crumb is spiked with flavor.

Step 3: Set Up the Coating Stations

This is your chance to channel your inner chef: set out three bowls. In the first, whisk together the eggs and milk until light and frothy. In the second, place your shredded cheddar cheese—give it a quick toss to keep it loose. In the third, you’ll have your seasoned cracker crumbs. Having this assembly line ready makes coating the chicken clean and fast.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken

If your chicken breasts aren’t an even thickness, take a minute to pound them out—this helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Now, one at a time, dip each piece into the egg mixture, let the excess drip off, press into the cheddar so it covers the chicken generously, and finally coat in the cracker crumbs, pressing gently so it all sticks.

Step 5: Bake and Crisp Up

Arrange your fully coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over each piece; this is the secret weapon for that deep golden crispiness. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden. Let the Crispy Cheddar Chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices settle and the coating stays crisp.

How to Serve Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the classic go-to—it brings brightness and a pop of color that makes the whole dish look fresh and inviting. You could also try a dusting of extra cheddar or a pinch of smoked paprika just before serving for an extra visual and flavor boost.

Side Dishes

Crispy Cheddar Chicken pairs beautifully with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, or a crisp, fresh salad. Even simple steamed green beans or roasted broccoli will balance the richness and keep the meal feeling wholesome and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the baked chicken and layering it over fluffy rice for a family-style platter, or tuck strips into soft buns for a mouthwatering sandwich. You can even serve it appetizer-style with toothpicks and a side of tangy dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing party snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy Cheddar Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The coating will soften a little over time, but a quick reheat in the oven or air fryer can help it regain its crunch.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For maximum crispiness, reheat your chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a toaster oven or air fryer works wonders. Microwave is fastest but may result in a softer crust, so use the oven when you can.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for its flavor and melt factor, feel free to experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses. For a little zing, try adding some grated Parmesan to the cheddar.

What can I use instead of buttery crackers?

If you don’t have buttery round crackers, panko breadcrumbs are a great substitute for a lighter crunch. You can also try crushed pretzels or even seasoned cornflakes for a fun twist.

How do I make my Crispy Cheddar Chicken extra crunchy?

For an extra-crispy coating, bake the chicken on a wire rack set inside your baking dish. The hot air circulates all around, keeping the bottom as crispy as the top. A quick broil at the end also adds crunch—just keep a close eye on it!

Can I prep this chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can coat the chicken and arrange it in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to four hours before baking. When ready, add the butter and bake as directed—freshly baked is always best.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Kids love Crispy Cheddar Chicken! The melty cheese and crunchy coating are usually a big hit. If your kids prefer milder flavors, choose a mild cheddar and leave out the paprika for a gentler taste.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Crispy Cheddar Chicken enough—it’s the kind of recipe that turns dinner into an occasion, without asking you to spend all night in the kitchen. Give it a try the next time you want to wow your family (or just spoil yourself), and watch how quickly it disappears off the table!

Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

This Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a cheesy, crunchy crust. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish is simple to prepare and delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese Coating:

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Cracker Crumb Mixture:

1 sleeve (about 30) buttery round crackers (like Ritz)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Egg Wash:

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk

Additional:

2 tablespoons butter, melted
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Cracker Crumbs: Crush the crackers into fine crumbs. Combine with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Set up Breading Station: In separate bowls, place the cracker crumb mixture, egg wash, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast in the egg wash, then press into the cheddar cheese and coat with the cracker crumbs.
Bake: Arrange chicken in the baking dish, drizzle with melted butter, and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.