Description
Crispy Cheddar Chicken delivers golden-crusted perfection with tender chicken enveloped in a cheesy, crunchy coating. Melted cheddar and crisp breadcrumbs create an irresistible dinner that will become a family favorite right from the first delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Sauce and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (10 ounces) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 400°F (200°C) and applying a light coat of cooking spray to a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish.
- Transform each chicken breast into three substantial chunks using a sharp knife.
- Pulverize the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
- Arrange three shallow dishes: one with milk, another with shredded cheddar cheese, and the third with cracker crumbs seasoned with salt and black pepper.
- Develop a coating technique by first submerging each chicken piece in milk, then pressing it into the cheese layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Complete the coating process by rolling the cheesy chicken in the seasoned cracker crumbs, pressing firmly to create an even, crisp exterior.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with dried parsley for additional flavor and visual appeal.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes to ensure thorough cooking.
- Uncover the chicken and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the exterior transforms into a golden, crispy texture.
- Simultaneously prepare the accompanying sauce by combining cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter in a saucepan.
- Heat the sauce over medium-high temperature, whisking continuously until it reaches a smooth, hot consistency.
- Present the crispy cheddar chicken by generously drizzling the prepared sauce over the baked pieces.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Crush Ritz crackers in advance and store in an airtight container to save time during meal preparation.
- Cheese Coating Tip: Press shredded cheddar firmly onto chicken to ensure a thick, delicious layer that melts perfectly during baking.
- Crumb Technique: Use gentle pressure when coating chicken with cracker crumbs to create an extra crispy, golden exterior.
- Foil Strategy: Covering the dish initially helps keep the chicken moist, while uncovering allows for that irresistible crispy texture.
- Sauce Shortcut: Can swap homemade sauce with store-bought cream of chicken soup for a quicker weeknight meal.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the rich, crispy chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg