Description
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a delicious baked dish featuring tender chicken coated in a crunchy Ritz cracker and cheddar cheese crust. This recipe combines a flavorful cheese layer with seasoned cracker crumbs, baked to golden perfection and served with a creamy chicken soup sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 lb chicken tenders or 4 large chicken breasts
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup whole milk (2% can be substituted)
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Sauce
- 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Crackers and Chicken: Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and rolling with a rolling pin. If using whole chicken breasts, cut each into three large pieces for even cooking.
- Set Up Coating Stations: In three separate shallow pans, pour the milk into one, the grated cheddar cheese into the second, and the seasoned cracker crumbs (salt and pepper mixed in) into the third.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the milk, then into the grated cheese, pressing gently to make the cheese adhere. Finally, dip into the cracker crumbs, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating on all sides.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated chicken pieces on a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spacing them evenly to allow for proper heat circulation during baking.
- Add Parsley and Cover: Sprinkle the dried parsley evenly over the chicken and cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the covered chicken for 35 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the coating turns golden brown and crispy, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter in a medium saucepan. Whisk over medium-high heat until the mixture is smooth and heated through, then set aside for serving.
Notes
- Using chicken tenders results in faster cooking compared to large chicken breasts.
- If you prefer a spicier coating, add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika to the cracker crumbs.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
