The Best Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe You’ll Crave Weekly

Crafting a mouthwatering crispy cheddar chicken promises pure culinary magic that’ll make dinner absolutely unforgettable.

Crunchy golden coating meets tender meat in a delightful dance of flavors.

Cheese lovers will go wild for this simple yet spectacular dish.

Weeknight meals never looked so tempting and delicious.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crisp exterior and juicy interior.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing recipe with just a few ingredients.

You’ll become an instant kitchen hero when this golden, cheesy chicken hits the table.

Crispy Cheddar Chicken Brings The Crunch

• Quicken Dinner Prep: Simplify your evening cooking with this fast and straightforward recipe that transforms ordinary chicken into a crunchy, cheesy delight without complex techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Guaranteed to win over both kids and adults with its crispy exterior, melted cheese coating, and familiar flavor profile that satisfies various taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Nutrition Boost: Provides a protein-packed meal that feels indulgent while offering a balanced nutritional approach, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
• Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: Requires just a few bowls for breading and a single baking sheet, reducing post-meal washing and making this recipe a stress-free cooking experience.

Ingredient Checklist For Cheddar Chicken Success

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that serves as the base of this crispy and flavorful dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: Aromatic spices that enhance the chicken's natural flavor and add depth to the dish.

• Milk: A liquid that helps the cheese and cracker coating adhere to the chicken.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheese that creates a rich, golden crust on the chicken.
• Crackers: Crushed crackers provide a crunchy and crispy exterior to the chicken.

• Cooking Spray, Melted Butter: Helps achieve a golden-brown and extra crispy finish on the chicken.

Step-By-Step For Cheddar Chicken Dinner

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Surface

Heat your oven to 400F (200C).

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a light grease coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Tenderize and Season the Chicken

Gently pound chicken breasts to create an even thickness.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 3: Create a Breading Setup

• First bowl: Milk
• Second bowl: Shredded cheddar cheese
• Third bowl: Crushed crackers

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dunk each chicken breast into the milk, ensuring full coverage.

Next, generously press the chicken into the cheddar cheese, followed by a final roll in the crushed crackers for maximum crunch.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the coated chicken to the prepared baking sheet.

For extra golden crispiness, lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle melted butter across the top of each piece.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C).

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and plate immediately.

Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or complementary side dishes for a delightful meal.

Pro Tricks For Juicier Cheddar Chicken

• Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness for consistent cooking and crispy texture.
• Don't skimp on spices; they enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
• Use butter crackers for extra richness or whole wheat crackers for a healthier twist.
• Press cheddar cheese firmly onto chicken to ensure it adheres well during baking.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to help the coating stick better and achieve maximum crispiness.

Cheddar Chicken Variations For Everyone

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for celiac-friendly option.
• Low-Carb Protein Punch: Swap crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version with zero carbs.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken: Mix diced jalapeños into the cheddar cheese coating for a zesty, hot flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Blend dried oregano, thyme, and basil into the cheese coating for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

Serving Cheddar Chicken For Family Meals

• Party Plate Perfection: Arrange crispy chicken on a large platter with colorful fresh herbs sprinkled on top for a stunning presentation.
• Dipping Delight: Serve alongside ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for an extra flavor punch that guests will love.
• Veggie Companion: Pair with roasted garlic broccoli, creamy mashed potatoes, or a light summer salad to balance the crispy chicken's richness.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers for quick lunch protein or slice over salads for a delicious next-day meal.

Saving Cheddar Chicken For Another Day

• Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Arrange chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other hard cheeses like parmesan or monterey jack for similar crispy results.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165F/74C at the thickest part of the chicken.

• What if I don't have crackers for breading?

Panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes work great as an alternative to crackers for creating a crispy coating.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free certified.

Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy cheddar chicken brings comfort and crunch to weeknight dinners with its golden, cheesy coating. Crackers and sharp cheddar create a perfect crackly exterior that seals in juicy chicken, making you crave another delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese and Coating:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup milk
• Cooking spray or melted butter

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or light grease to ensure easy chicken removal.
2. Tenderize chicken breasts to uniform thickness, enhancing even cooking and texture.
3. Season chicken thoroughly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for robust flavor penetration.
4. Create three separate stations: milk bowl, shredded cheddar cheese bowl, and crushed cracker bowl for efficient coating process.
5. Dunk each chicken piece into milk, allowing excess to drip off, then generously cover with cheddar cheese.
6. Firmly press coated chicken into crushed crackers, ensuring complete and even cracker coverage.
7. Arrange chicken on prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between pieces for optimal crispiness.
8. Lightly spray chicken with cooking spray or drizzle melted butter to enhance golden-brown exterior and add richness.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches golden-brown color and internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
10. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving with preferred dipping sauce or complementary side dishes.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Use full-fat milk for better cheese adherence and richer flavor profile.
• Crush crackers finely for maximum crispiness and even coating coverage.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for unique taste variations.
• For gluten-free version, replace crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour.
• Allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after baking to lock in juices and maintain moisture.
• Check internal temperature with meat thermometer to guarantee safe, perfectly cooked chicken.
• Leftovers can be stored in refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated in oven to maintain crispiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 565 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 49 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg