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
Scale
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.
