When it comes to comfort food that’s both simple and satisfying, Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a timeless classic. This dish takes tender chicken breasts, coats them in a cheesy, crunchy crust, and bakes them to golden perfection. The result? Juicy chicken with a crisp, flavorful coating that’s impossible to resist. It’s the kind of meal that disappears fast at the dinner table — especially when served with mashed potatoes or buttery noodles. I once tried this recipe with sharp cheddar and a hint of paprika, and it gave the chicken an extra savory depth that made it absolutely unforgettable. It’s hearty, delicious, and perfect for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe is everything you want in a comfort meal — easy, cheesy, and full of flavor. The crushed crackers and cheddar create a crunchy coating that locks in moisture, while a simple creamy sauce brings everything together beautifully. It’s versatile enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests. Best of all, it uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
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Crispy Cheddar Chicken: A Crunchy, Cheesy Family Favorite
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a comforting, family-favorite dish featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy, cheesy breading made with cheddar and buttery crushed crackers. It’s oven-baked to golden perfection and served with a creamy sauce for irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- 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, beaten
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- For the Sauce:
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Place crushed crackers in a shallow dish and mix with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place shredded cheddar cheese in a second dish and beaten eggs in a third.
- Dip each chicken breast into the eggs, then press into the cheddar cheese to coat lightly. Finally, dredge in the cracker mixture, pressing to adhere the crumbs.
- Arrange coated chicken in the prepared baking dish and drizzle melted butter evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter. Heat over low until smooth and warm.
- Serve chicken hot with the creamy sauce spooned on top or on the side.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
- For extra crunch, mix a handful of panko breadcrumbs into the cracker coating.
- This recipe pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or green beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless; pound them thin for even cooking and maximum tenderness.
Cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor and melts beautifully into the coating.
Ritz crackers (or buttery crackers) – Crushed finely to create that signature crispy texture.
Milk – Helps the coating stick to the chicken.
Eggs – Add richness and help bind the crumb coating.
Butter – Adds a golden, buttery flavor and helps crisp the coating during baking.
Garlic powder – Adds warmth and a savory kick to the crust.
Paprika – Gives a hint of color and depth of flavor.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning both the chicken and coating.
Cream of chicken soup and sour cream (for the sauce) – Combine to create a creamy, flavorful gravy for serving.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Pound the chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In three shallow bowls, prepare the coating station: one with milk and beaten eggs, one with shredded cheddar cheese, and one with crushed Ritz crackers mixed with garlic powder and paprika.
- Dip each chicken breast first into the milk-egg mixture, then press into the cheddar cheese, and finally coat thoroughly with the cracker mixture.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces in the baking dish. Drizzle with melted butter to help achieve a golden crust.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is crisp and golden brown.
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the creamy sauce: in a saucepan, combine cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Heat gently over low heat until smooth and warmed through.
- Serve the crispy cheddar chicken hot, drizzled with the creamy sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people generously.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the coating is crispy again, about 10–15 minutes. To freeze, cool completely, then store in airtight freezer bags for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick, crispy meal.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Cheddar Chicken
Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cracker coating for a little heat.
Ranch-Crusted Chicken
Mix dry ranch seasoning into the cracker crumbs for a tangy twist.
Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Substitute half the cheddar with grated Parmesan and add extra garlic powder.
Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Add crumbled cooked bacon to the cheese layer before coating for smoky flavor.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes for a similar crunch.
Herb Crusted Chicken
Add dried thyme, oregano, or parsley to the crumb mixture for an herby finish.
Honey Mustard Drizzle
Serve with a light drizzle of honey mustard instead of creamy sauce for a sweet-savory pairing.
Air Fryer Version
Cook at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through for an extra-crispy crust.
Extra Cheesy Bake
Sprinkle more cheddar on top during the last few minutes of baking for a melted cheese layer.
Lightened-Up Option
Use reduced-fat cheese and bake on a wire rack to reduce excess butter.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken tenders cook faster and are great for smaller portions. Adjust baking time to about 20 minutes.
2. What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, but you can mix in Colby Jack or mozzarella for extra meltiness.
3. Can I use crushed cornflakes instead of crackers?
Absolutely — cornflakes create a crunchy, slightly lighter coating.
4. How do I prevent the cheese from sliding off?
Press the cheese firmly onto the chicken and coat evenly with crumbs so it adheres well.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the chicken up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
6. How do I keep the crust crispy?
Avoid covering the chicken while baking and reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.
7. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts and sticks better.
8. What sides go best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted broccoli, or a fresh salad pair beautifully.
9. Can I skip the sauce?
Yes, it’s optional — the chicken is flavorful enough on its own, but the sauce adds creaminess.
10. How do I know when the chicken is done?
Check with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers everything you love about classic home cooking — juicy chicken, cheesy goodness, and a satisfying crunch. It’s simple, versatile, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy. Whether you serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or a light green salad, this dish is bound to become one of your go-to recipes for cozy, no-fail dinners.
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