If you’re craving crispy, cheesy, and flavorful chicken without the hassle of frying, this Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe is for you! Baked to golden perfection, this dish features tender chicken coated in a crunchy Ritz cracker crust and a layer of melted cheddar cheese. Topped with a creamy, savory sauce, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 lbs chicken tenders or 4 large chicken breasts 🍗
2 sleeves Ritz crackers (about 60 crackers) 🍘
1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂
1/8 teaspoon pepper 🌿
1/2 cup whole milk (or 2%) 🥛
3 cups cheddar cheese, grated 🧀
1 teaspoon dried parsley 🌿
For the Sauce:
1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup 🥫
2 tablespoons sour cream 🥄
2 tablespoons butter 🧈
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using chicken breasts, cut each breast into 3 large pieces for even cooking.
Step 2: Crush the Crackers
Place the 2 sleeves of Ritz crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or your hands. Pour the cracker crumbs into a shallow dish and mix in the 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
Step 3: Set Up the Coating Station
Pour the 1/2 cup of milk into a shallow bowl. Place the 3 cups of grated cheddar cheese in another shallow bowl. Arrange the bowls in this order: milk, cheese, and cracker crumbs.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the milk, making sure it’s fully coated. Next, press the chicken into the grated cheddar cheese, using your fingers to help the cheese stick. Finally, press the cheese-coated chicken into the cracker crumbs, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in the dish, leaving a little space between each piece. Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of dried parsley evenly over the chicken.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Step 6: Crisp the Chicken
After 35 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy around the edges.
Step 7: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter. Whisk the ingredients together over medium-high heat until the sauce is hot and smooth.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the chicken hot, topped with the creamy sauce. Pair it with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
- Use Different Crackers: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, try using saltines, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes for a different texture.
- Add Some Heat: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika into the cracker crumbs for a spicy kick.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
- Swap the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend for a unique flavor.
- Double the Recipe: This dish is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Simply double the ingredients and use two baking dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Crispy and Cheesy: The combination of Ritz crackers and cheddar cheese creates a crunchy, flavorful coating that’s irresistible.
✅ Baked, Not Fried: Enjoy all the crispiness of fried chicken without the extra oil and mess.
✅ Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
✅ Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy, crispy chicken dish.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6-8
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Enjoy! 🧀🍗😋