Crispy Cheddar Chicken 🧀🍗✨

By: Rabia

Juicy chicken coated in melted cheddar and buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, baked to golden perfection. Serve with a creamy sauce for the ultimate comfort food dinner!

🥘 Recipe Card

Servings & Timing

  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Dietary Badges:

  • Family-Friendly

  • Kid-Approved

  • Comfort Food

✅ Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 1 cup, crushed)

  • ½ cup milk

  • ¼ tsp garlic powder

  • ¼ tsp onion powder

  • ¼ tsp paprika

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 2 tbsp butter, melted

Optional Cream Sauce:

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • 1 tbsp milk

📖 Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Prepare Coating: Place milk, cheddar, and crushed crackers in separate bowls. Season cracker crumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  3. Coat Chicken: Dip chicken into milk, then press into shredded cheddar, and finally coat in cracker mixture.

  4. Bake: Place in baking dish, drizzle with melted butter, and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and coating is golden crispy.

  5. Optional Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Heat over medium until warmed through. Serve over chicken if desired.

🔑 Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor and extra melty goodness.

  • Press cheese firmly into the chicken so it sticks before coating in crackers.

  • Bake uncovered so the coating stays crisp.

🌟 Introduction

This Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a true comfort food classic — crispy, cheesy coating on the outside, tender juicy chicken inside, and a rich creamy sauce to tie it all together.

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It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but indulgent enough for Sunday family meals. The combination of Ritz crackers and cheddar cheese makes it a guaranteed kid-approved favorite!

🥬 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

  • Chicken: Chicken thighs also work — just adjust cook time slightly.

  • Crackers: Ritz give buttery flavor, but saltines or Panko can be used instead.

  • Cheese: Mozzarella or Colby Jack are good alternatives if you don’t have cheddar.

  • Sauce: Lighten up with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

🍽 Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or crushed red pepper to cracker mixture.

  • Loaded Style: Sprinkle bacon bits and green onions on top before serving.

  • Serving Ideas: Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad.

❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight container for 3 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze baked chicken (without sauce) up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F until hot and crisp.

  • Meal Prep Tip: Coat chicken in advance and refrigerate up to 6 hours before baking.

⚖️ Nutrition (per serving, est. without sauce)

  • Calories: ~480

  • Protein: 40g

  • Fat: 26g

  • Carbs: 22g

❓ FAQ

Q: Can I make this without Ritz crackers?
A: Yes — substitute Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch or almond flour for a keto version.

Q: Can I make it air fryer–friendly?
A: Absolutely — cook at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Q: Do I need the sauce?
A: Not at all — the chicken is deliciously crispy on its own, but the sauce makes it extra creamy.

💌 Final Notes

This Crispy Cheddar Chicken is cheesy, crunchy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you make it with the creamy sauce or keep it crispy and simple, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

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Rabia
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