If you’ve been searching for a comfort food gem that’s bursting with cheesy goodness and irresistible crunch, your hunt ends here with this Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken coated in a crispy Ritz cracker crust hugged by layers of sharp cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection and finished with a luscious creamy sauce. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that feels both familiar and exciting, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet crucial for creating depth in taste, texture, and color. Each element plays its own supporting role in turning humble chicken into something unforgettable.
- 2 lb chicken tenders or 4 large chicken breasts: The star protein that will soak up all the flavors while staying beautifully tender.
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers: Crushed into fine crumbs, they create that signature crispy and buttery coating.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances flavor and balances the cheesy richness.
- 1/8 tsp pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning.
- 1/2 cup whole milk (2% can be substituted): Helps the cheese and cracker coating stick perfectly to the chicken.
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated: Sharp and melty cheddar that provides the ultimate cheesy punch.
- 1 tsp dried parsley: Adds a touch of color and mild herbaceous notes.
- 10 oz can cream of chicken soup: Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce base that coats the crispy chicken.
- 2 tbsp sour cream: Gives the sauce a tangy richness to balance out the flavors.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds smoothness and enhances the sauce’s velvety texture.
How to Make Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Crackers
Start by crushing the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs — you want the coating to be evenly crispy without any large chunks. If you’re using chicken breasts instead of tenders, cut them into three large pieces each so they cook evenly and fit nicely in the baking dish.
Step 2: Set Up Your Coating Stations
Arrange three shallow pans: one with milk, one with grated cheddar cheese, and one with the crushed crackers seasoned with salt and pepper. This trio of stations will create that unforgettable layered coating on your chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece first into the milk to moisten the surface, then into the cheddar cheese, pressing gently so the cheese sticks well. Finally, press each piece firmly into the cracker crumbs until they are fully coated with that seasoned, crunchy crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your coated chicken breast pieces in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spacing them evenly so they crisp up nicely without steaming. Sprinkle dried parsley over the top for a hint of freshness. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35 minutes to lock in moisture and meld the flavors.
Step 5: Crisp the Crust
Remove the foil after the initial bake and continue baking uncovered for 10-15 more minutes. This final stage is key to achieving that perfect golden brown, crunchy exterior that defines this Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce
While your chicken is finishing up, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth, warm, and luscious, ready to drape over or dip your crispy chicken in amazing flavor.
How to Serve Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives can brighten the dish visually and add a fresh, herbal note against the rich and crispy chicken. For a little extra zing, a light dusting of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon can provide a new dimension to the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This crispy chicken pairs fabulously with simple, fresh sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables complement the richness of the cheddar and sauce, while a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette refreshes your palate. Even classic garlic bread can make the meal feel indulgent and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy polenta, allowing the sauce to mingle with each bite. Alternatively, turn this Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe into a loaded sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce on a toasted bun for a handheld comfort meal. The possibilities to elevate this dish are endless and guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days. The crispy coating will still hold reasonably well, and the flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked crispy cheddar chicken by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating to retain juiciness.
Reheating
To preserve that irresistible crunch, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to soften the crispy coating and makes the chicken less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use shredded chicken instead of chicken breasts or tenders?
Shredded chicken wouldn’t work well for this recipe because the coating needs intact pieces to adhere properly and create that crispy crust. It’s best to stick with whole tenders or breast pieces cut into sizable chunks.
Is it necessary to use whole milk, or can I substitute with a dairy-free option?
Whole milk helps the cheese and cracker coating stick better and adds richness, but you can use 2% milk without a noticeable difference. For dairy-free alternatives, use unsweetened almond or oat milk, though the texture might be slightly less rich.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes to maintain the crunchy coating without gluten concerns.
Why do I need to bake the chicken covered first, then uncover later?
Baking covered helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy while the flavors meld. Uncovering toward the end crisps up the coating beautifully, ensuring that satisfying crunch Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe is known for.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, doubling is straightforward. Use a larger baking dish or two pans to avoid overcrowding, which ensures the coating crisps nicely and the chicken cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe is an absolute treasure in the kitchen that combines ease, flavor, and that coveted crispy-cheesy crunch we all crave. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a dish that delivers comfort and joy on every plate. Grab the ingredients and give it a try—you’ll soon understand why it’s a beloved favorite worth making again and again!
Print
Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful mixture of cheddar cheese and Ritz cracker crumbs, baked to a golden, crispy perfection. Topped with a creamy chicken soup sauce enhanced with sour cream and butter, this dish offers a comforting and cheesy main course that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lb chicken tenders or 4 large chicken breasts
Coating
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or 2% milk)
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Sauce
- 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare Crackers and Chicken: Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. If using large chicken breasts, cut each breast into three large pieces to ensure even coating and cooking.
- Set Up Coating Stations: In three separate shallow pans, pour the milk, the grated cheddar cheese, and the crushed crackers. Season the cracker crumbs with salt and pepper and mix well to combine flavors.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first into the milk to moisten, then coat thoroughly with grated cheddar cheese by pressing gently. Finally, dip into the seasoned cracker crumbs, pressing firmly to form an even, crispy crust on all sides.
- Arrange Chicken in Pan: Place the coated chicken pieces evenly spaced in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure proper cooking and crisping.
- Add Seasoning and Cover: Sprinkle dried parsley evenly over the chicken to enhance flavor. Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the initial baking phase.
- Bake Covered: Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the coating to set.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken finishes baking, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter in a medium saucepan. Whisk over medium-high heat until the sauce is hot, smooth, and well blended.
- Serve: Serve the crispy cheddar chicken hot with the creamy sauce on the side or drizzled over the top for a rich, comforting meal.
Notes
- Using chicken tenders reduces the preparation time since they don’t need to be cut into pieces.
- Substitute 2% milk if whole milk is unavailable for a slightly lighter coating.
- For extra crispiness, consider broiling the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
