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Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 23 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a delicious baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a crunchy Ritz cracker and cheddar cheese crust, baked until golden and served with a creamy, savory sauce made from cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter. This recipe yields a flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

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

  1. Prepare the Coating: Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. If using chicken breasts, cut each breast into three large pieces to ensure even cooking.
  2. Set Up Dredging Stations: In three separate shallow pans, place the milk, grated cheddar cheese, and crushed crackers. Season the cracker crumbs with salt and pepper and stir to combine thoroughly.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first into the milk, then into the grated cheddar cheese, pressing gently to adhere the cheese to the chicken, and finally into the seasoned cracker crumbs, pressing firmly to ensure an even, crispy coating.
  4. Arrange for Baking: Place the coated chicken pieces in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, arranging them evenly spaced to allow for proper cooking and crisping.
  5. Add Flavor and Cover: Sprinkle dried parsley evenly over the chicken for added aroma and taste. Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the initial baking phase.
  6. Bake Initially: Bake the covered chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 35 minutes to cook through while keeping it moist.
  7. Uncover and Crisp: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken becomes golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  8. Prepare the Sauce: Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter. Whisk over medium-high heat until the sauce is heated through and smooth, ready to serve alongside the chicken.

Notes

  • Using chicken tenders will save time cutting and ensure consistent cooking.
  • Pressing the cheese and cracker crumbs firmly helps the coating stick and creates a better crust.
  • Covering the chicken while baking prevents it from drying out before the final crisping stage.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
  • If whole milk is unavailable, 2% milk can be used as a substitute without significantly affecting the flavor.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/crispy-cheddar-chicken-recipe/