If you’re searching for a meal that combines crispy, cheesy, and downright delicious flavors, look no further than this Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe! Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just because you deserve something mouthwatering, this dish is a surefire hit. With just the right amount of crispy crunch from the seasoned Ritz cracker coating and a melty, gooey cheddar cheese topping, this chicken is sure to steal the spotlight at your dinner table.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make Crispy Cheddar Chicken from scratch, including all the ingredients, easy-to-follow directions, and some tips and tricks to make the dish even better. Prepare yourself for the crispy, cheesy goodness you’ve been craving!
Ingredients for Crispy Cheddar Chicken
To start, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need to make this recipe a breeze. You won’t need any complicated ingredients or exotic spices just the basics that work together in perfect harmony to create a flavorful and crispy chicken dish.
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Tender, juicy chicken breasts are the base of this dish. Boneless and skinless are perfect for easy cooking and even better for the crispy coating that’s about to come. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
The star of the dish! The cheddar cheese will melt beautifully over the crispy chicken, creating a cheesy, gooey topping you’ll love. - 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
These crackers make up the crispy coating. The buttery, flaky texture of Ritz crackers is just right for creating the perfect crunch when fried. - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic powder is key to adding savory depth to the flavor profile. It’s subtle but makes all the difference. - ½ teaspoon onion powder
Onion powder gives the dish a bit of sweetness and enhances the overall flavor, balancing the garlic powder. - ½ teaspoon paprika
Paprika brings a touch of smokiness and vibrant color to the chicken, making it look as good as it tastes. - ½ teaspoon salt
Salt is essential to bring out the natural flavors of all the ingredients and enhance the overall taste of the chicken. - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Black pepper adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the other spices. - 1 egg, beaten
This will act as the binder, helping the cracker crumbs adhere to the chicken perfectly. - 2 tablespoons olive oil
Olive oil is used to fry the chicken breasts until golden brown. It adds richness and helps achieve that crispy texture.
Directions for Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Now that we have all the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! This Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe is quick, easy, and sure to satisfy. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal that the whole family will love.
1. Preheat the Oven
The first thing you want to do is preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, you can prepare your chicken and coating. It’s always a good idea to get the oven ready early so that it’s hot and waiting for your chicken once you’ve finished cooking it.
Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This step helps ensure that your chicken doesn’t stick to the baking sheet, and it makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl or dish, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture together so that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cracker crumbs.
In a separate shallow bowl, beat the egg until the yolk and white are fully combined. This will be used to coat the chicken before it gets dunked into the cracker mixture, creating that golden, crispy crust.
3. Coat the Chicken
Now it’s time to coat the chicken breasts. Start by dipping each chicken breast into the beaten egg, making sure that the entire surface is covered. This will help the cracker crumbs stick to the chicken, so it’s important to get it fully coated.
Next, immediately transfer the egg-coated chicken breast into the bowl of cracker crumbs. Gently press the chicken into the crumbs to make sure they stick. Flip it over and press on the other side to get a nice even coating all around the chicken. Repeat this for each chicken breast until all of them are coated with the seasoned cracker mixture.
4. Cook the Chicken
Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to fry the chicken but not too hot that it burns the coating. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the skillet.
Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and crispy. Be sure to flip the chicken gently, as the coating may be fragile at first. After both sides are browned and crispy, it’s time to transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
5. Add the Cheddar Cheese
Once the chicken is on the baking sheet, it’s time to top it off with some shredded cheddar cheese. Generously sprinkle the cheese over each chicken breast, making sure to cover it evenly. This is the part where the magic happens the cheese will melt beautifully into the crispy coating, creating a cheesy, gooey layer that takes this dish to the next level.
6. Bake the Chicken
Now that the chicken is topped with cheese, it’s time to pop it in the oven. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You’ll know the chicken is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
If you want the cheese to be extra bubbly, you can switch the oven to broil for the last minute or two of baking. Just keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn!
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is baked and the cheese is melted to perfection, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, keeping it tender and juicy.
Serve your Crispy Cheddar Chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The crispy, cheesy goodness is sure to please every palate!
Nutritional Information
This dish is not only delicious but also relatively simple when it comes to nutritional information. Here’s the breakdown:
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This is a relatively light yet satisfying meal, making it perfect for a balanced dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Tips for Perfecting Your Crispy Cheddar Chicken
To ensure that your Crispy Cheddar Chicken turns out just right every time, here are a few handy tips:
- Don’t skip the egg step: The egg is crucial for helping the crumbs adhere to the chicken. Skipping this step may result in a coating that falls off during cooking.
- Use fresh cracker crumbs: While you can use store-bought crushed crackers, fresh crumbs made from Ritz crackers will yield the crispiest and most flavorful crust.
- Make it a meal: For a complete meal, serve the chicken with sides like roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread.
- Bake to perfection: Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked without overcooking it.
Variations and Customizations
While this Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe is pretty straightforward, you can easily make it your own by tweaking the ingredients or adding extra flavors. Here are some ideas to customize your chicken:
- Add some heat: If you love a little spice, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the cracker mixture.
- Use a different cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to try other cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Herb it up: Add some fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the cracker mixture for extra flavor.
- Try panko breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy coating, swap the Ritz crackers for panko breadcrumbs. This will give the chicken an even crunchier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, you can definitely use bone-in chicken. However, keep in mind that bone-in pieces will take longer to cook, so adjust your baking time accordingly. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken, coat it with the cracker mixture, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the steps as usual.
Can I freeze leftover crispy chicken?
Yes, you can freeze Crispy Cheddar Chicken. Just place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.
What sides go well with this chicken?
This dish pairs well with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or even a light green salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting meal.
Conclusion
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is the ultimate dinner dish that combines crispy, crunchy coating with melty, gooey cheese. It’s quick, simple, and full of flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering. Whether you’re making it for yourself or your loved ones, this dish is sure to impress.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite of crispy, cheesy goodness. You won’t regret it!
For more mouthwatering and easy-to-make recipes like this, check out:
- Cheesy Bacon Stuffed Chicken Breast – A Flavorful Dinner Idea
- Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast – Cheesy and Delicious
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast – Tender & Creamy Recipe
Enjoy cooking and make sure to share your results with us!
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Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Cheesy, Crispy Perfection in Every Bite
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken is the perfect combination of golden, crispy coating and gooey melted cheddar cheese. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that will satisfy your cravings in just 30 minutes! With a crunchy Ritz cracker crust and a cheesy topping, this chicken is ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or your preferred crackers)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow bowl, beat the egg.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, coat the chicken with the cracker mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well. Repeat for all chicken breasts.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Once browned, transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
- Add the Cheddar Cheese: Top each chicken breast with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the Crispy Cheddar Chicken with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- For an extra cheesy dish, you can add more cheddar cheese on top before baking.
- To make the chicken even crispier, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Feel free to swap out Ritz crackers with any other type of crushed crackers for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Crispy Cheddar Chicken, Cheddar Crusted Chicken, Crispy Chicken with Cheddar, Cheesy Chicken Recipe, Chicken Breast Recipes