Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked Recipe
If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines gooey cheese, a crispy golden crust, and juicy chicken all baked to perfection, then this Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken breasts enveloped in a flavorful coating of sharp cheddar cheese and buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, seasoned just right to deliver a harmony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe is deceptively simple but absolutely stunning in both flavor and presentation, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the delightful layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible. From the sharpness of the cheddar cheese to the buttery crunch of the Ritz crackers, these essentials work together to turn simple chicken breasts into a golden, crispy masterpiece.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean, tender base of this dish, pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds bold, melty cheesiness that perfectly complements the crispy crust.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers): Crushed finely to create a buttery, crunchy coating that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory notes that lift the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and a slight sweetness to the seasoning mix.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: For a warm, smoky hint and vibrant color.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in every bite.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of gentle heat and complexity.
- 2 large eggs: Used as a binding agent to help the cheese and cracker crumbs stick perfectly to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Lightens the egg mixture for better coating and moisture.
- Nonstick cooking spray or melted butter: For greasing the baking dish and creating extra crispiness on top.
How to Make Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot so the chicken cooks evenly with that lovely crispy crust. Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with either nonstick spray or melted butter to prevent sticking and to add a bit of extra buttery flavor to the underside of the chicken.
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Coating
In a shallow bowl, crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and combine them with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning blend is where the magic starts, giving the crust a beautiful balance of savory spices that make each bite pop.
Step 3: Set Up Your Dipping Stations
Whisk together the eggs and milk in a second bowl; this mixture will help the cheddar cheese and cracker crumbs cling to the chicken. Place the shredded sharp cheddar cheese in a third bowl, ready for the next step.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
First, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they bake uniformly. Then, dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, coating it completely. Next, press the chicken into the shredded cheddar cheese so it adheres in a thick, cheesy layer. Finally, firmly press the cheesy side into the Ritz cracker crumbs and seasoning blend to coat the outside completely with that signature crispy coating.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the coated chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. To help the crust get extra golden and crunchy, lightly spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray or drizzle with a bit of melted butter. Bake the chicken uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until it is cooked through and the coating is beautifully crispy and golden brown. If you want to take it up a notch, broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This little pause helps lock in the juices and makes slicing or serving even easier without losing that beautiful cheese-crust combo.
How to Serve Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar cheese can add a burst of color and a fresh layer of flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten each bite and balance the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or silky steamed vegetables like green beans and carrots create a harmonious plate. For something lighter, a fresh garden salad or crisp coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to complement the cheesy, crispy chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked Recipe to the next level by serving it sliced over a bed of garlic herb rice or tossed in a wrap with crisp lettuce and tomatoes. You can also turn leftovers into an irresistible sandwich or a hearty salad topping for an easy next-day meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover crispy cheddar chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping it well-covered helps maintain both the moisture of the chicken and the integrity of the crispy coating.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the cooked chicken by wrapping each breast tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their delicious texture or flavor.
Reheating
For the crispiest results when reheating, use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes, uncovered, until heated through. This brings back the crunchy coating much better than a microwave, which tends to make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is the star here for its bold flavor and meltability, you can experiment with mozzarella for extra stretchiness or even a smoky gouda for a unique twist. Just keep in mind flavor and melting properties when swapping.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that the breasts cook evenly and remain juicy. Without pounding, thinner edges might dry out before the thicker center is fully cooked.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes to keep that wonderful crunchy coating without gluten.
How spicy is this Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked Recipe?
This recipe is mildly spiced due to the paprika, which offers warmth but not heat. If you enjoy a little kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cracker mix.
What’s the best way to get extra crispy chicken?
Besides broiling for the last few minutes, be sure to lightly spray or brush the coating with melted butter or cooking spray before baking. This step helps the crumbs brown and crisp up beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked Recipe is such a joy to make and eat, blending simple ingredients into a dish that feels both comforting and special. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, it delivers on flavor, texture, and ease every time. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—once you do, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
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Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a delicious baked main course featuring tender chicken breasts coated in sharp cheddar cheese and a crunchy Ritz cracker crust seasoned with garlic, onion, and paprika. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a golden, crispy coating and juicy inside, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
For Greasing
- Nonstick cooking spray or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using nonstick cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cracker Coating: Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and place them in a shallow bowl. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then mix well to create the flavorful coating mixture.
- Make Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined, which will help the coating stick to the chicken.
- Prepare Cheese: Place the shredded sharp cheddar cheese in a third bowl and set aside for the coating process.
- Even Chicken Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to promote uniform cooking, resulting in juicy and tender chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Next, press it firmly into the shredded cheddar cheese so it sticks well. Finally, dredge the chicken in the seasoned cracker crumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the coating.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Lightly spray or drizzle the tops with nonstick cooking spray or melted butter to encourage browning.
- Bake: Bake the chicken uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy on top.
- Rest: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
