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
Scale
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
