Description
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken breasts with a crunchy, cheesy coating that’s bursting with flavor. The golden, crispy exterior pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken inside, making it a family favorite for dinners or special occasions. With just a few pantry staples, you can create this dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Serve it with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness of the cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Ritz Crackers: These add a buttery, crispy texture to the coating. Breadcrumbs can be used as an alternative.
- Garlic Powder and Paprika: These spices enhance the flavor of the coating without overpowering the cheese.
- Eggs and Milk: This mixture helps the coating stick to the chicken and creates a golden, crunchy crust.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken and Coating:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Coating: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs) with the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: Place the flour in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third bowl, pour the cheddar and cracker mixture.
- Pound the Chicken: If necessary, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch) to ensure even cooking.
Bread and Bake the Chicken:
- Dredge the Chicken: Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, and then press it into the cheddar and cracker mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Arrange in the Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle the melted butter over the top for extra crispiness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 38g