Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Tender chicken coated in sharp cheddar and buttery cracker crumbs, baked to crispy perfection and served with a silky, savory sauce—this is the comfort food your dinner table’s been waiting for.

Why You’ll Love It:

Crunchy, golden coating that locks in juiciness
Family-friendly and freezer-ready
Perfect for meal prepping or a comforting weekend dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 sleeves Ritz crackers
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper
½ cup milk
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
1 tsp dried parsley

For the Sauce:

1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp butter

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast into 3 large chunks for better coating coverage and even cooking.
Crush the Crackers: Use a food processor to pulse Ritz crackers until finely ground but not powdered. Add salt and pepper.
Set Up Coating Stations: Place milk, shredded cheddar, and seasoned cracker crumbs into three shallow bowls.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken in milk, press into cheese (don’t worry if it doesn’t all stick), then coat thoroughly with cracker crumbs.
Bake: Arrange coated chicken pieces in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle with parsley. Cover with foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until crisp and golden.
Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter. Heat until smooth and warmed through.
Serve: Pour the creamy sauce over the hot chicken or serve on the side for dipping.

Tips for Success

Use finely shredded cheddar to help it stick better.
Pat chicken dry before dipping for better coating adhesion.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to keep the coating intact.

Freezer Friendly: Assemble the coated chicken in a disposable tray and freeze (unbaked) up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Prepare sauce fresh for best texture.

Serving Suggestions: Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a crisp salad. Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side for a sweet-tart pop.

Make It Your Own:

Add a pinch of garlic powder to the cracker mix for extra depth
Mix in a little ranch seasoning for a flavor twist
Try chicken thighs for a juicier, slightly richer version

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prep this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble and freeze before baking. Just thaw, bake, and make the sauce fresh.

What’s the best side dish? Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or even egg noodles work great. Anything that pairs well with the sauce!

Can I swap Ritz crackers? Club crackers or panko mixed with melted butter will work, but Ritz give the best buttery crunch.

How do I get the cheese to stick better? Finely shred the cheese and press it into the chicken. It’s okay if some falls off—it melts into the crumb layer beautifully.

Can I use chicken thighs? Absolutely. They’re delicious and may be even juicier—just adjust cook time as needed to reach 165°F.

Is there a homemade sauce alternative? Yes! Make a quick roux with butter and flour, then whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth. Season to taste.

Bottom Line: Crispy Cheddar Chicken is the golden, gooey, flavorful dish your weeknight dinner lineup needs. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or prepping ahead, this one always delivers.