Description
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe features juicy, boneless chicken breasts coated in sharp cheddar cheese and a crunchy Ritz cracker crust, baked to golden perfection. A simple yet flavorful dish, it combines savory spices with a crispy texture that’s perfect for an easy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Breading Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness if necessary for uniform cooking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the milk until combined to create the egg wash.
- Prepare Cracker Seasoning: In another bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper for a flavorful crust.
- Coat Chicken with Cheese: Spread shredded cheddar cheese on a plate. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then press both sides firmly into the cheddar cheese to coat thoroughly.
- Crust the Chicken: After the cheese, immediately press the chicken breasts into the seasoned cracker mixture, ensuring the coating adheres well on all sides.
- Arrange and Butter: Place the fully coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the tops to promote browning and crispiness.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Optional Broil: For extra crunch, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately with your choice of sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a salad.
Notes
- For extra crunch, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes after baking.
- Substitute Ritz crackers with buttery breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as alternatives.
- Perfectly pairs with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh side salad.
- Ensure chicken is evenly pounded for consistent cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is fully cooked.
