This Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe is a simple and delicious dinner idea that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful cheddar cheese and cracker crust, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a creamy sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest—crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying! Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
Easy Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe
This dish features juicy, tender chicken coated with a crunchy crust made from cheddar cheese and buttery crackers. Baking the chicken instead of frying keeps the dish lighter without sacrificing any of the crispiness. The creamy sauce, made with condensed soup and sour cream, takes it over the top, making it a cozy, hearty meal that pairs perfectly with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a crisp salad.
Why Our Crispy Cheddar Chicken Is the Best
Our Crispy Cheddar Chicken is not just delicious—it’s packed with cheesy, savory flavors and has a crispy texture that everyone loves. The sauce adds a rich and creamy finishing touch that elevates this simple dish into something truly special.
Ingredients Notes for Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Each ingredient in this Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe works together to create a meal that’s full of flavor and texture:
Chicken and Coating Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of the dish, providing tender and juicy meat.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Adds bold, cheesy flavor to the crust.
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or similar buttery crackers) – Creates the crispy, golden coating.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the savory flavor of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley – Adds a touch of freshness to the coating.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Seasons the chicken perfectly.
- ½ cup milk – Helps the coating stick to the chicken.
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup – Forms the base of the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup sour cream – Adds richness and tanginess to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Makes the sauce silky and smooth.
Ingredient Substitution Tip: For a different flavor, try swapping the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella. If you don’t have Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs or crushed pretzels work as great alternatives. For a lighter version, use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the sauce.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Crispy Cheddar Chicken
To make this cheesy, crispy chicken dish, you’ll need:
- Baking dish (9×13-inch recommended)
- Shallow bowls or plates for coating
- Meat mallet (optional, for pounding chicken to even thickness)
- Mixing bowl
- Foil (to cover during baking)
How to Make Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Follow these easy steps to make this cheesy, crispy chicken:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers, garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. In another shallow bowl, place the shredded cheddar cheese. In a third shallow bowl, pour the milk.
3. Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the milk, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then press it into the cheddar cheese, followed by the cracker mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the coating. Repeat for all chicken breasts.
4. Arrange and Bake
Place the coated chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
5. Make the Sauce
While the chicken bakes, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warm and smooth.
6. Serve
Drizzle the creamy sauce over the crispy cheddar chicken and serve immediately. Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
How To Store Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Store leftover Crispy Cheddar Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore its crispiness, or in the microwave for a quicker option. To freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Crispy Cheddar Chicken Variations
This recipe is wonderfully versatile—here are some fun ideas to change it up:
- Spicy Cheddar Chicken: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika to the coating mixture for a bit of heat.
- Herb-Crusted Chicken: Mix Italian seasoning or fresh chopped herbs into the cracker coating for an herby twist.
- Buffalo Cheddar Chicken: Drizzle buffalo sauce over the chicken before adding the sauce for a tangy, spicy kick.
- Cheddar Ranch Chicken: Add a packet of ranch seasoning to the cracker mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheesy Pretzel Chicken: Replace the crackers with crushed pretzels for a salty, crunchy crust.
What To Serve With Crispy Cheddar Chicken
This flavorful chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lighten up the meal with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
- Rice Pilaf: Adds a hearty and flavorful complement to the dish.
- Side Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.
Top Tips for Perfect Crispy Cheddar Chicken
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Pack on the Coating: Press the cheese and cracker mixture firmly onto the chicken to ensure it sticks during baking.
- Bake Covered First: Covering the chicken for the first part of baking prevents the cheese from burning while ensuring the chicken cooks through.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. Shred your own for the best results.
- Don’t Skip the Sauce: The creamy sauce ties the whole dish together, so don’t leave it out!
Helpful Notes
- For smaller portions, slice the chicken breasts into strips or tenders before coating and baking.
- If you prefer extra-crispy chicken, bake on a wire rack set over the baking dish to allow air to circulate around the chicken.
- Leftover sauce can also be used as a gravy for mashed potatoes or rice.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Always use high-quality butter and cheese for recipes like this—it makes all the difference in flavor.
- Ree Drummond: “Adding a touch of spice, like smoked paprika or cayenne, can really elevate the flavor of crispy chicken dishes.”
- Martha Stewart: “To ensure maximum crispiness, let the coated chicken rest in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before baking.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free crackers or panko breadcrumbs, and check the labels on your soup and cheese to ensure they are gluten-free.
3. Can I air fry the chicken?
Yes! Cook the coated chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely! Parmesan, pepper jack, or mozzarella can all be used for different flavors.
5. What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can make a homemade version by combining chicken broth, milk, and a flour or cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- – 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- – 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- – 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or similar butter crackers
- – 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- – ½ teaspoon paprika
- – ½ teaspoon salt
- – ½ teaspoon black pepper
- – 2 large eggs
- – 2 tablespoons milk
- – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
