The Ultimate Recipe for Crispy Cheddar Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Family Meal
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a delightful meal that combines the irresistible flavors of sharp cheddar cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs or crackers, coating tender, juicy chicken breasts. This dish offers a perfect balance of textures: the outside is crispy and flavorful, while the inside remains moist and tender. It's a true comfort food that can easily become a family favorite, especially for those who love cheesy, savory meals.
Equipment
- Shallow bowls (for dipping)
- Baking sheet
- Cooking spray or parchment paper
- Meat thermometer (to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly)
Ingredients
To make this mouthwatering chicken, here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt as a lighter option
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers or Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional, for extra flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
1 Preparing the Chicken
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. If your chicken breasts are thick, you might want to pound them lightly to even out the thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
2 Making the Crispy Cheddar Coating
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers (or Panko breadcrumbs), shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using). In a separate bowl, place the sour cream.
- First, dip each chicken breast into the sour cream, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, roll the chicken into the cheddar-cracker mixture, pressing it down so the coating sticks to the chicken. Be generous with the coating – this is where the magic happens!
3 Baking the Chicken to Perfection
- Place the coated chicken breasts on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle the melted butter over the tops of the chicken to help with browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.