Description

Say goodbye to greasy frying pans and hello to the ultimate baked crispy chicken experience! This Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe is a game-changer, delivering all the crunch and flavor you crave without the hassle of deep frying. With a golden crust made from crushed Ritz crackers and a gooey cheddar cheese filling, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating this irresistible baked chicken masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

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 used)
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 Chicken and Ingredients: Crush the Ritz crackers and place them in a shallow dish. If using chicken breasts, cut each breast into three large pieces. Pour milk, grated cheddar cheese, and cracker crumbs into three separate small pans. Season the cracker crumbs with salt and pepper, stirring to combine.
Coat Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the milk, then coat it with the grated cheddar cheese. Press the cheese into the chicken, ensuring it adheres well. Next, coat the cheesy chicken with the seasoned cracker crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Bake Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and arrange the coated chicken pieces inside. Sprinkle dried parsley over the chicken. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
Prepare Sauce: While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter. Whisk together over medium-high heat until the sauce is hot and smooth.
Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, remove it from the oven. Serve the crispy cheddar chicken hot, drizzled with the creamy sauce.

Notes

Serving Tips:

Family Dinner Favorite: Serve this Crispy Cheddar Chicken as the star of your next family dinner. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Party Pleaser: Impress your guests at gatherings and potlucks by serving crispy cheddar chicken as a delicious appetizer or main dish. It’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Meal Prep Option: Prepare a batch of crispy cheddar chicken ahead of time for easy weekday meals. Simply reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave for a quick and convenient dinner option.
Sandwich Sensation: Transform leftovers into mouthwatering sandwiches by layering sliced crispy cheddar chicken between toasted buns with your favorite condiments and toppings for a delicious lunch or dinner idea.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover crispy cheddar chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.
Freezing: To freeze crispy cheddar chicken, place cooled individual pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.