Description
Golden, crispy, and packed with cheesy goodness, Crispy Cheddar Chicken is the perfect dish for a satisfying dinner. Tender chicken breasts are coated in sharp cheddar cheese and buttery crushed crackers, then baked to crispy perfection. This easy, family-friendly recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a delicious and comforting meal. Whether you’re making it for the first time or adding it to your regular rotation, this cheesy, crunchy chicken will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers (or panko breadcrumbs)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare coating stations: In three separate shallow bowls, place beaten eggs in one, shredded cheddar cheese in another, and crushed crackers mixed with garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Coat the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, then coat with cheddar cheese, pressing gently to adhere. Finally, dredge in the crushed cracker mixture until fully covered.
- Arrange in baking dish: Place the coated chicken in the prepared dish in a single layer. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Optional broil: For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes