Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a comforting, family-favorite dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a crunchy, cheesy coating that’s baked to golden perfection.
Each piece is coated in a flavorful mix of crushed crackers and sharp cheddar cheese, then baked (or optionally pan-fried) until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner—simple to prepare, kid-approved, and irresistibly delicious.
Served with a creamy sauce or classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans, Crispy Cheddar Chicken brings homey vibes to the table with every bite. It’s comfort food at its best—easy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing!
CRISPY CHEDDAR CHICKEN
Description
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish made with tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful blend of crushed Ritz crackers and sharp cheddar cheese, then baked until golden and crispy.
The inside stays juicy while the outside develops a crunchy, cheesy crust that’s irresistible.
Often served with a creamy chicken gravy or ranch-style sauce, this dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal yet tasty enough for company. Family-friendly, cheesy, and satisfying—this is a go-to recipe for comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
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Crush crackers in a zip-top bag or food processor until fine. Mix in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. In another, place shredded cheddar cheese.
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Prepare the coating stations: dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then press into the cheese (it may not stick fully – that’s okay), and finally coat with the cracker mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
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Place coated chicken into the baking dish. Lightly spray or drizzle the tops with a bit of oil or melted butter for extra crispiness.
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Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F) and the coating is golden brown.
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Mix 1 can of cream of chicken soup with 2 tbsp sour cream and warm it up as a creamy sauce to pour over the top.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 13g65%
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 40g80%
- Calcium 200 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Tips & Serving Tricks
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is the ultimate comfort food—juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy, cheesy crust and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, a few key tips and tricks can elevate this dish to restaurant-level good. Let’s dive in!
Tips for Perfect Crispy Cheddar Chicken
1. Pound the Chicken Evenly
Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. About ½ inch thick is ideal.
2. Season Every Layer
Don’t rely solely on the cheese and crackers for flavor—season the chicken itself with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning before breading.
3. Use Sharp Cheddar
Opt for sharp or extra sharp cheddar for maximum cheesy flavor. Pre-shredded cheese works, but freshly shredded melts better and sticks more evenly to the chicken.
4. Cracker Crust is Key
Ritz crackers are a classic choice for the crust—they're buttery and crisp. Crush them finely for better coverage, or leave a few larger crumbs for extra crunch.
5. Dip Method Matters
Use a three-step dredge:
- First, dip the chicken in seasoned flour (optional but helps the egg stick).
- Then, dip in beaten egg or milk.
- Finally, press into the cheddar-cracker mixture until well coated.
6. Chill Before Baking
Pop the coated chicken in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before baking. This helps the crust set and stay on better during cooking.
7. Use a Wire Rack
Place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate and keeps the bottom crispy, not soggy.
8. Finish with a Broil
In the last 2–3 minutes of baking, switch to broil to give the top a deeper golden color and extra crispiness. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
9. Optional Sauce
A creamy cheddar or sour cream-based sauce poured over or served on the side makes this dish extra indulgent. A simple mix of sour cream, milk, and cream of chicken soup works great.
Serving Tricks
1. Serve with Contrast
Pair with fresh, crisp sides to balance the richness—think steamed broccoli, a bright garden salad, or lemony green beans.
2. Make It a Sandwich
Use leftovers in a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo for a killer crispy cheddar chicken sandwich.
3. Family-Style Plating
Slice the chicken into strips and serve on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ for a crowd-pleasing dinner or game-day snack.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly
Bread the chicken earlier in the day, refrigerate it on a tray, and bake just before serving. You can even freeze pre-breaded raw portions and bake straight from frozen—just add 5–10 minutes to the cook time.
5. Reheat Without Losing Crunch
To reheat, skip the microwave. Instead, pop leftover chicken in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the cheese from burning during baking?
Cheddar cheese tends to crisp quickly in the oven, especially when it’s on the surface of your chicken. To prevent burning, make sure to press the cheese and cracker mixture firmly onto the chicken so it adheres well.
You can also loosely cover the dish with foil during the first half of baking, then remove it for the final 10–15 minutes to let it crisp up without burning. Keeping the oven temperature at 350–375°F (175–190°C) also helps.
Can I make Crispy Cheddar Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken in advance by coating it in the sour cream (or mayo) and cheddar-cracker breading, then refrigerating it, uncooked, for up to 12 hours. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while the oven preheats.
Avoid breading too far ahead or it may get soggy. Leftovers can also be refrigerated for 2–3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
What’s the best side dish to serve with it?
Crispy Cheddar Chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For a comfort-food twist, serve it with a homemade country gravy or ranch-style dip on the side.
It also goes well with rice pilaf or buttered noodles if you prefer a lighter option. Don't forget to include a veggie or two for a balanced meal—steamed broccoli, green beans, or corn on the cob work perfectly.
