Dinner

Easy Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe

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Craving a comforting dinner that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with cheesy flavor? This Easy Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe is one of my all-time favorite weeknight meals. Tender chicken breasts are coated in buttery crushed crackers, loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, and baked to golden perfection. Then I drizzle everything with a rich, creamy sauce that takes it over the top.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly baked chicken recipe that’s simple, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious — this is it!

Ingredients List

Chicken Ingredients

  • 4 large chicken breasts

  • 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated

  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup

  • 2 tablespoons sour cream

  • 2 tablespoons butter

Required Kitchen Tools

When I make this crispy cheddar chicken, I keep these basic kitchen tools handy:

  1. Mixing Bowls – For crushing crackers and preparing coatings.

  2. Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin – To slightly flatten chicken breasts for even cooking.

  3. 9x13 Baking Dish – Perfect size for baking the chicken evenly.

  4. Saucepan – For preparing the creamy sauce.

  5. Aluminum Foil – Helps keep the chicken moist while baking.

Having everything ready before starting makes this easy baked chicken recipe even smoother.

Chicken Preparation

Preparing the chicken properly ensures it stays juicy inside while getting that crispy cheddar crust outside.

Preparing the Coating

First, I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.

Then I crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs (but not powder — I like a little texture). I mix the cracker crumbs with salt, pepper, and dried parsley in a bowl.

In separate bowls:

  • I pour the milk into one bowl.

  • I place the grated cheddar cheese in another bowl.

Coating the Chicken

If the chicken breasts are very thick, I gently pound them to an even thickness.

Then I follow this simple coating process:

  1. Dip each chicken breast into the milk.

  2. Press it into the grated cheddar cheese, making sure it’s well coated.

  3. Finally, press the cheesy chicken into the cracker crumb mixture.

I gently press the crumbs onto the chicken so they stick well.

Once coated, I place each piece into the prepared baking dish.

Baking the Crispy Cheddar Chicken

To keep the chicken tender, I loosely cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.

After that, I remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until:

  • The top is golden brown

  • The coating is crispy

  • The internal temperature reaches 165°F

This two-step baking method ensures juicy chicken with a crispy cheddar crust.

Making the Creamy Sauce

While the chicken bakes, I prepare the creamy sauce.

How I Make the Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, I combine:

    • Cream of chicken soup

    • Sour cream

    • Butter

  2. I stir continuously until everything melts together into a smooth, creamy sauce.

I keep it warm on low heat until the chicken is ready.

Serving and Garnishing

Once the chicken comes out of the oven, I spoon the warm creamy sauce generously over each piece. The crispy crust paired with the rich sauce is absolutely irresistible.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this easy crispy cheddar chicken with:

  • Mashed potatoes

  • Steamed broccoli

  • Roasted green beans

  • Buttered rice

A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice pop of color and freshness.

Storage Instructions

How to Store Leftovers

If I have leftovers (which isn’t often!), I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips

To keep the crust crispy, I reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Microwaving works too, but the coating won’t stay as crispy.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze this baked cheddar chicken for up to 2 months. I recommend freezing without the sauce for best texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Expert Tips for the Best Crispy Cheddar Chicken

  • Use freshly grated cheddar for better melting and flavor.

  • Don’t skip the foil step — it keeps the chicken moist.

  • Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.

  • For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.

Conclusion

This Easy Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe is the perfect comfort food dinner. It’s crunchy, cheesy, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. I love how simple the ingredients are, yet the final result tastes like something you’d order at a cozy homestyle restaurant.

If you’re looking for a baked cheddar chicken recipe that’s guaranteed to impress your family while staying easy enough for a busy weeknight — this one deserves a spot in your rotation.

Now it’s your turn — grab those chicken breasts and let’s make something crispy and delicious tonight! 🍗

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