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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/crispy-cheddar-chicken-recipe/