If you’re craving comfort food that delivers gooey cheese, crispy coating, and juicy chicken all in one bite, let me introduce you to the magic of Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked. Imagine tender chicken breasts enveloped in cheddar, coated with savory seasoned crackers, and baked to golden perfection. This dish is proof that you can achieve amazing texture and mouthwatering flavor without even touching a frying pan. It’s a family favorite in my home, and always vanishes from the dinner table in record time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
No mysterious ingredients here—just a handful of simple, everyday staples that each play a crucial role in making your Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked irresistible. The combination of creamy cheese, buttery crackers, and just the right blend of spices creates layers of flavor and texture you’ll love.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and pounded evenly for consistent baking and juicy results.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Use freshly shredded for superior melting and bold, cheesy flavor in every bite.
- Ritz crackers: About one sleeve, crushed finely to create that signature buttery-crisp coating.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth and a hint of warmth to the cracker coating.
- Onion powder: A subtle boost of sweet savoriness to round out the flavor profile.
- Black pepper: Lends a touch of heat that balances the richness of the cheese and crackers.
- Paprika: For gentle smoky color, and that irresistible visual appeal on the crust.
- Eggs: Helps bind the cheesy layer and ensure the coating adheres beautifully.
- Milk: Loosens up the egg wash and gives the coating an extra tender finish.
- Nonstick cooking spray or melted butter: For greasing the dish and crispening the tops – don’t skip this step for that lovely golden crunch!
How to Make Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of nonstick spray or a brush of melted butter. This step is small but mighty: it makes cleanup a breeze and helps guarantee the perfect golden base for your chicken.
Step 2: Get Your Breading Stations Ready
Set up three shallow bowls for the breading process. In the first, whisk together the eggs and milk—this will be your glue. In the second, mix your crushed Ritz crackers with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. The third bowl holds your shredded cheddar cheese. Having everything prepped before you start breading keeps the process neat and speedy.
Step 3: Pound and Prepare Chicken
To ensure your Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked cooks evenly and stays juicy, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound each chicken breast to an even thickness. This simple step means no dry, overcooked edges—just moist, tender chicken all the way through.
Step 4: Bread Each Chicken Breast
It’s time to get your hands a little messy! Start by pressing each chicken breast into the cheddar cheese, coating it generously on all sides. Next, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, turning to cover, then finally into the seasoned cracker crumbs. Press down lightly to really pack on those crumbs. Arrange each fully coated piece in your baking dish as you go.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Golden Perfection
Before popping your chicken into the oven, give the tops a light mist of cooking spray or drizzle with a little melted butter. This step is key for getting a crunchy, golden crust without frying. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is gloriously crisp. For an extra crunch, broil for the final 2–3 minutes—just keep a watchful eye so nothing burns. Let your Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked rest for 5 minutes before serving so all those flavorful juices stay put.
How to Serve Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives over your finished Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens up the plate. If you love a little extra zing, try a pinch of red pepper flakes, or serve with a drizzle of honey mustard or ranch dressing on the side for dipping—kids (and adults!) will go wild for it.
Side Dishes
This chicken is versatile when it comes to sides! I love it with creamy mashed potatoes and a pile of garlicky green beans, but it’s just as happy next to a crisp green salad or even roasted sweet potatoes. The mild, rich flavors of the chicken pair well with both classic comfort foods and bright, fresh veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice your Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked into strips for family-style sharing, or tuck cutlet slices into soft rolls for cheesy chicken sandwiches. Leftovers (if you have any!) make a super addition to wraps, salads, or even a next-day lunchbox. Get playful and let your creativity shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the coating retains much of its lovely texture if you reheat it properly. I recommend not cutting the chicken until ready to serve; whole pieces stay juicier in the fridge.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well! After baking and cooling, wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen, they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive that crave-worthy crispness, reheat your Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the coating a bit soggy. If you’re short on time, a toaster oven works well too!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will give you an even juicier result. Just keep in mind they may need a few extra minutes in the oven to cook through, depending on their size.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
If Ritz aren’t in your pantry, try substituting with buttery club crackers or even panko breadcrumbs. The final flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still get that fabulous crunch that makes Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked so special.
Is it possible to make this gluten free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free crackers in place of the Ritz and double check that your remaining ingredients are gluten free. This swap is seamless and still delivers plenty of crunch and flavor.
Can I prep the chicken ahead of time?
You can! Bread the chicken and arrange it in your baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. Just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time if you’re starting with chilled chicken.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C). The coating should also be golden brown and crispy—if it’s not quite there, give it a couple minutes under the broiler and watch it transform!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked enough—it’s a total weeknight winner and sure to become a repeat request at your table. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when plates are licked clean and everyone asks for seconds. Happy cooking!
Print
Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Baked Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in sharp cheddar cheese and a flavorful Ritz cracker crust, baked to golden perfection. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Coating:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For Dredging:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
For Greasing:
- Nonstick cooking spray or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or melted butter.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a second bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Place the shredded cheddar in a third bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness if needed. Dip each chicken breast first into the cheddar cheese, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the cracker crumbs, coating thoroughly.
- Bake: Place the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or melted butter. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until golden and crispy. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a side salad.
- Add a drizzle of honey mustard or ranch for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
