If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances a golden, crunchy exterior with a delightfully cheesy, tender interior, then you’re in for a treat with this Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe. This is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining buttery Ritz cracker crumbs with sharp cheddar cheese to create a coating that’s impossibly crispy and packed with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish comes together with simple ingredients but yields something truly memorable—and it’s guaranteed to become a quick favorite in your household.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe plays a starring role. From the crunchy Ritz crackers to the sharp cheddar, every component adds its own magic—texture, flavor, and color—making this dish irresistible and easy to put together.
- 2 lb chicken tenders or 4 large chicken breasts: The tender chicken is the perfect base, soaking up flavors and staying juicy inside the crispy coating.
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers: These buttery crackers crush easily and create a wonderfully crisp and golden crust.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Just the right amount brings out the savory elements without overpowering the dish.
- 1/8 tsp pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the cheese and crackers.
- 1/2 cup whole milk (2% can be substituted): Helps the cheese and crumbs stick beautifully to the chicken.
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated: Sharp and melty, this cheese adds richness and unbeatable flavor.
- 1 tsp dried parsley: A touch of herbaceous freshness scattered over for aroma and color.
- 10 oz can cream of chicken soup: This creamy base forms the luscious sauce served alongside.
- 2 tbsp sour cream: Adds tang and smoothness to the sauce for extra depth.
- 2 tbsp butter: Enriches the sauce, rounding out all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by crushing the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs; you can do this quickly with your hands or gently pulsing in a food processor. If you’re using chicken breasts instead of tenders, cut each breast into three large pieces so they cook evenly and fit nicely in your baking dish.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Stations
Set out three shallow pans or bowls: pour the milk in one, the grated cheddar in another, and the seasoned cracker crumbs (mixed with salt and pepper) in the third. This assembly line approach makes coating each piece of chicken a breeze.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken first into the milk to moisten it, then into the cheddar cheese, pressing gently to help it stick. Finally, coat the chicken with the seasoned cracker crumbs, pressing firmly to make sure every bit is covered for that signature crispy exterior.
Step 4: Bake for Perfection
Place the coated chicken pieces in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spacing them evenly so that the heat circulates well. Sprinkle dried parsley over the top for color and a subtle herb flavor. Cover everything with foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35 minutes to cook the chicken through gently.
Step 5: Crisp the Coating
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the coating is a gorgeous golden brown and incredibly crispy. This step creates the signature crunch that makes the Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe so irresistible.
Step 6: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce
While the chicken finishes baking, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter in a medium saucepan. Whisk over medium-high heat until the sauce is smooth and warmed through, offering a rich and tangy complement to the crispy chicken.
How to Serve Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving brightens the dish with a splash of green and a fresh aroma. A squeeze of lemon can also add a lovely tang that cuts through the richness just perfectly.
Side Dishes
This crispy chicken pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad to add some freshness and balance. For a comforting meal, creamy mac and cheese or garlic bread are also fantastic choices.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual chicken pieces on a bed of wild rice or quinoa, garnished with pickled red onions for a touch of acidity. You could also slice the chicken and pile it over steamed greens with a drizzle of the creamy sauce for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the coating crisp, avoid stacking the pieces while storing.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken pieces after they’ve cooled completely. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil, or seal in freezer bags to maintain freshness. Frozen chicken is best used within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy crust. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and the chicken rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar provides a sharp and hearty flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just keep the quantity the same.
Is it necessary to use Ritz crackers?
Ritz crackers bring a uniquely buttery crispness that’s hard to beat, but you can substitute with panko breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers for a different texture. Keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Make sure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-friendly meal.
What’s the best way to cut the chicken breasts?
Cut chicken breasts into three large, evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook thoroughly and stay moist. Using tenders is even easier because they’re more uniform in size and tender texture.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the creamy sauce a day in advance; just store it covered in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove before serving. Whisk it well to restore its silky consistency if it thickens too much.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe brings together comfort and crunch in a way that’s sure to dazzle anyone at your table. It’s straightforward, full of flavor, and just downright fun to make. So next time you’re looking for a meal that feels like a celebration but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to chicken dish that everyone will be begging for again and again.
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Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a deliciously crunchy and cheesy baked chicken recipe featuring a crispy Ritz cracker crust, a rich cheddar cheese coating, and a creamy chicken soup sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this dish yields tender juicy chicken with a golden brown crust and a flavorful, creamy sauce on the side.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 lb chicken tenders or 4 large chicken breasts
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup whole milk (2% milk can be substituted)
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Sauce
- 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: If using chicken breasts, cut each breast into three large pieces. This ensures even cooking and bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Coating Stations: In three shallow pans, pour the milk in one, grated cheddar cheese in the second, and crushed Ritz crackers seasoned with salt and pepper in the third.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the milk, then into the grated cheddar, pressing gently to adhere the cheese, and finally dip into the seasoned cracker crumbs, pressing firmly for an even coating.
- Arrange in Pan: Place coated chicken pieces in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spacing them evenly to allow for proper cooking.
- Add Parsley and Bake Covered: Sprinkle dried parsley over the coated chicken. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35 minutes to cook the chicken through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Make Creamy Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter in a medium saucepan. Whisk over medium-high heat until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the crispy cheddar chicken hot, drizzled with or accompanied by the creamy chicken sauce.
Notes
- Using chicken tenders speeds up cooking time compared to whole breasts.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
- This recipe can be made with 2% milk if whole milk is not available.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated and used as a creamy dip or gravy for other dishes.
- Ensure even coating for the perfect crispy crust by pressing firmly during each dipping stage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
