Here’s a classic Crispy Cheddar Chicken 🧀🍗 — crunchy on the outside, juicy inside, and super family-friendly. This is the popular oven-baked version.
Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Optional Sauce:
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream or milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven:
375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Prepare coating:
In a bowl, mix crushed crackers, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. - Coat chicken:
Dip each chicken breast into milk, then press into cracker-cheese mixture until fully coated. - Arrange & butter:
Place chicken in baking dish. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top. - Bake:
Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and coating is golden. - Optional sauce:
Heat cream of chicken soup with sour cream or milk and serve over chicken.
⭐ Tips:
- Pound chicken slightly for even cooking.
- Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.
- For extra crunch, spray lightly with cooking spray before baking.
🔄 Variations:
- Air fryer: 375°F for 14–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Spicy: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the milk.
- Low-carb: Use crushed pork rinds instead of crackers.
🍽 What to serve with it:
- Mashed potatoes or crispy roast potatoes
- Green beans or roasted broccoli
- Macaroni and cheese
If you’d like, I can also give you the slow cooker version, cheddar ranch chicken, or a kid-friendly freezer meal prep version.
