Name: Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-480141H26M38S
Total time: PT-480141H26M38S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb chicken tenders or 4 large chicken breasts; 2 sleeves Ritz crackers; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp pepper; 1/2 cup whole milk (2% can be substituted); 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated; 1 tsp dried parsley; 10 oz can cream of chicken soup; 2 tbsp sour cream; 2 tbsp butter

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe! Say goodbye to greasy fried chicken and hello to a healthier, baked alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or crunch. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible meal that will have your family asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

2 lb chicken tenders or 4 large chicken breasts

2 sleeves Ritz crackers

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

1/2 cup whole milk (2% can be substituted)

3 cups cheddar cheese, grated

1 tsp dried parsley

For the Sauce:

10 oz can cream of chicken soup

2 tbsp sour cream

2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray and set it aside.

Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. If using chicken breasts, cut each breast into three large pieces.

Coating the Chicken:

In three separate shallow pans, pour the milk, grated cheddar cheese, and crushed crackers.

Season the cracker crumbs with salt and pepper, stirring to combine.

Dip each piece of chicken into the milk, ensuring it’s fully coated, then into the cheese, pressing gently to adhere. Finally, coat the chicken in the seasoned cracker crumbs, pressing firmly to coat evenly.

Arrange the coated chicken pieces in the prepared baking pan, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.

Baking the Chicken:

Sprinkle dried parsley over the chicken for added flavor.

Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.

After 35 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.

Making the Sauce:

While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter.

Whisk the ingredients together over medium-high heat until the sauce is heated through and smooth.

Serving:

Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, serve it hot with the creamy sauce drizzled over the top.

Garnish with fresh parsley or grated cheese, if desired.

Enjoy your Crispy Cheddar Chicken alongside your favorite sides for a wholesome and satisfying meal!

Serving Tips:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the finished dish for a pop of color and added freshness.

Pair with Side Dishes: Serve the Crispy Cheddar Chicken alongside your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad for a well-balanced meal.

Drizzle with Extra Sauce: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle additional warmed sauce over the chicken just before serving to enhance the flavors.

Customize with Condiments: Offer a variety of condiments such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for dipping to add extra flavor options.

Presentation Matters: Arrange the chicken on a serving platter and garnish with lemon wedges or cherry tomatoes for an elegant presentation.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover Crispy Cheddar Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: To maintain its crispiness, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Sauce Storage: Store any leftover sauce separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Freezing: While the chicken can be frozen, it’s best to freeze it before baking. Prepare the chicken up to the point of baking, then tightly wrap the baking pan with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the recipe instructions.

Related Recipes:

Raspberry Dip

FAQs:

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar cheese adds a rich and savory flavor to the Crispy Cheddar Chicken, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Gouda, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses can work well in this recipe, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz crackers. Additionally, ensure that the cream of chicken soup you use is labeled gluten-free, or consider making your own gluten-free cream of chicken soup from scratch. By making these simple substitutions, you can enjoy the same delicious Crispy Cheddar Chicken without gluten.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Crispy Cheddar Chicken ahead of time to streamline your meal preparation process. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of coating the chicken and arranging it in the baking pan. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, remove the pan from the refrigerator, allow it to come to room temperature while preheating the oven, and then bake as directed.

How can I ensure that the chicken stays crispy after baking?

To help maintain the crispiness of the chicken after baking, it’s important to ensure that the chicken pieces are coated evenly and pressed firmly into the cracker crumbs before baking. Additionally, baking the chicken on a wire rack set inside the baking pan can help air circulate around the chicken, preventing it from becoming soggy on the bottom. If reheating leftovers, using an oven instead of a microwave can also help retain the crispiness of the chicken.

Conclusion:

With its crispy coating, gooey cheese center, and flavorful sauce, our Baked Crispy Cheddar Chicken is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is a winner every time. So, why settle for ordinary chicken when you can elevate it to extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients? Try our recipe today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!

📖 Recipe: