Introduction

This Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe is a delicious way to enjoy tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful, cheesy crust. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.

The image shows two pieces of golden brown fried chicken placed on a white plate. Each chicken piece has a crispy and crunchy texture with an uneven crumb coating. Creamy white gravy is generously poured over the middle of both pieces, partially covering their surface. Small green herb flakes are sprinkled over the gravy and chicken, adding a touch of color. The plate rests on a striped placemat with green, red, and cream colors, and the background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 sleeve Ritz crackers
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp butter, melted
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and combine them with the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
Step 2: Dip each chicken breast into the milk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with the cracker and cheese mixture. Press the coating firmly to adhere.
Step 3: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Drizzle melted butter over each piece to help create a golden crust.
Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is crispy and golden.
Step 5: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your crispy cheddar chicken hot from the oven.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cracker mixture for a subtle heat.
Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese to lighten the dish while keeping the cheesy flavor.
Try using crushed panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers for an even crispier texture.

Storage

Store leftover crispy cheddar chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispiness, or microwave briefly for convenience, though the crust may soften.

How to Serve

Two pieces of golden-brown crispy fried chicken sit side by side on a white plate. The chicken is covered halfway with smooth, creamy white gravy that has small green herb flakes sprinkled on top, adding a bit of color contrast. The crunchy texture of the fried coating is clear with small bits of breading giving an extra crunch feel. The plate rests on a green, red, and beige striped woven placemat, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper crust adhesion.

What can I serve with crispy cheddar chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes for a balanced meal.

Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe

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5 from 73 reviews

Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a deliciously crunchy and cheesy baked chicken dish made with a coating of crushed Ritz crackers and sharp cheddar cheese. The combination of garlic powder, paprika, and melted butter creates a flavorful crust that locks in moisture, resulting in tender, juicy chicken breasts perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Crust

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp butter, melted

Garnish

Chopped parsley, for garnish

Main Ingredient

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat for a crispy crust and even cooking of the chicken breasts.
Prepare Cracker Mixture: In a food processor or a sealed plastic bag, crush the Ritz crackers until they become fine crumbs. Mix these crumbs in a bowl with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to evenly combine the dry ingredients and spices.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the milk, ensuring it is fully moistened. Then, coat the chicken in the cracker and cheese mixture, pressing the crust gently to stick well. Lay the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
Drizzle Butter: Evenly drizzle the melted butter over the top of the coated chicken breasts. This helps the crust to brown beautifully and become extra crispy during baking.
Bake the Chicken: Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crisp. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, herbaceous finish. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning to the cracker mixture.
If you prefer a lower fat version, use low-fat milk and reduce butter or substitute with olive oil.
To keep the chicken moist, avoid overbaking; use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
This recipe can be doubled to feed a larger group and also works well with chicken thighs.

Keywords: Crispy chicken, cheddar chicken, baked chicken recipe, Ritz cracker crust, easy dinner, cheesy chicken