Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Craving a comforting, cheesy dinner? Crispy Cheddar Chicken is the answer! This family-friendly dish features juicy chicken breasts coated in sharp cheddar and buttery cracker crumbs, baked to golden perfection, and served with a creamy, savory sauce.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for company.

Ingredients List

Creating the perfect Crispy Cheddar Chicken requires a few key components to achieve that irresistible crunch and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for both the chicken and the sauce:

Chicken Ingredients

• 4 large chicken breasts
• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers
• 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

Having the right tools on hand will make preparing Crispy Cheddar Chicken a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Food Processor or Rolling Pin: To crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs.
2. Three Shallow Dishes or Bowls: For the milk, cheese, and cracker crumbs.
3. 9×13-inch Baking Pan: To bake the chicken.
4. Cooking Spray: To prevent sticking.
5. Medium Saucepan: For preparing the creamy sauce.
6. Whisk: For blending the sauce ingredients smoothly.
7. Tongs or Fork: For dipping and coating the chicken pieces.
8. Aluminum Foil: To cover the chicken during baking.

Chicken Preparation

Preparing the chicken for Crispy Cheddar Chicken is all about building layers of flavor and crunch. Follow these steps to ensure every bite is juicy, cheesy, and perfectly crisp.

Prepping and Coating the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken:
   Start by cutting each chicken breast into three large, even chunks. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes for perfect, bite-sized pieces.
2. Crush the Crackers:
   Place the Ritz crackers in a food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
3. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
   Pour the milk, grated cheddar cheese, and cracker crumbs into three separate shallow dishes. Add the salt and pepper to the cracker crumbs and stir to combine.
4. Coat the Chicken:
   • Dip each piece of chicken first into the milk, ensuring it’s fully coated.
   • Next, press the chicken into the grated cheddar cheese, using your fingers to help the cheese stick. Don’t worry if some cheese falls off.
   • Finally, press the cheesy chicken into the cracker crumbs, coating it thoroughly. By the end, your crumb dish will be full of cheese bits—this is normal and will help create a delicious crust as it bakes.
5. Arrange in Baking Pan:
   Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Lay the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the pan.
6. Add Parsley:
   Sprinkle the dried parsley evenly over the top of the chicken for a pop of color and flavor.

Baking the Chicken

Baking is the key to achieving that signature crispy, golden crust while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside. Here’s how to do it:

Baking Instructions

1. Cover and Bake:
   Cover the prepared baking pan with aluminum foil. This helps the chicken cook through without drying out. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 35 minutes.
2. Uncover and Crisp:
   After 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the edges of the chicken are golden brown and crispy. The cheese and cracker coating should be bubbling and beautifully browned.
3. Check for Doneness:
   The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’re unsure, use a kitchen thermometer to check the thickest piece.

Making the Creamy Sauce

While the chicken is finishing in the oven, prepare the rich, savory sauce that takes this dish over the top.

Sauce Preparation

1. Combine Ingredients:
   In a medium saucepan, add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter.
2. Heat and Whisk:
   Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk the mixture continuously until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth and hot. This should take about 3–5 minutes.
3. Serve:
   Once the chicken is done baking, spoon the warm, creamy sauce generously over each piece just before serving.

Serving and Presentation

When it comes to serving Crispy Cheddar Chicken, a little attention to detail can make this comforting dish truly shine. Here are some tips to elevate your meal:

Suggested Sides and Garnishes

• Classic Pairings: Serve the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal.
• Extra Sauce: Offer extra sauce on the side for dipping—everyone will want more!
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with a bit of fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon can brighten up the rich flavors.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? No problem! Crispy Cheddar Chicken stores well and can be enjoyed the next day.

How to Keep Crispy Cheddar Chicken Fresh

• Refrigeration: Place leftover chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to help restore its crispiness. Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezing Instructions

• Freezing: You can freeze the baked chicken (without sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Sauce: The sauce is best made fresh, but it can be frozen separately if needed.

Conclusion

Mastering Crispy Cheddar Chicken is all about layering flavors and textures for a truly satisfying meal.

With its crunchy, cheesy coating and creamy sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

the combination of simple ingredients and comforting flavors is always a hit. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite sides and garnishes to make it your own!