Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Cheesy – The crunchy Ritz cracker coating paired with melted cheddar creates an irresistible texture.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a hassle-free meal.
- Kid-Friendly – The mild flavors and crispy texture make it a hit with kids.
- Comfort Food – A warm and satisfying dish, perfect for cozy nights.
- Versatile – Can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 lbs chicken tenders or 4 large chicken breasts
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
For the Sauce:
- 1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. Mix the salt and pepper into the cracker crumbs.
- If using chicken breasts, cut each into three large pieces.
- Prepare three separate bowls: one for milk, one for grated cheese, and one for cracker crumbs.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the milk, then coat with cheese, pressing it onto the chicken.
- Roll the cheese-coated chicken in the cracker crumbs, pressing to ensure an even coating.
- Place the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle dried parsley on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter. Stir until heated through.
- Serve the sauce over the crispy chicken and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the cracker mixture.
- Different Cheese: Try swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz.
- Herb-Infused: Add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the cracker crumbs for extra flavor.
- Extra Crunch: Mix crushed cornflakes with the Ritz crackers for a crispier texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. The sauce can be reheated separately on the stovetop over low heat.
FAQs
How do I keep the cheese from falling off during baking?
Press the cheese firmly onto the chicken before coating it with the cracker crumbs to help it adhere.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts better and sticks to the chicken more effectively.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness.
What can I serve with crispy cheddar chicken?
Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad pair perfectly with this dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
You can add a little extra sour cream or a splash of milk for a smoother texture.
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes, Club crackers or Panko breadcrumbs can be used for a slightly different crunch.
Can I air-fry this instead of baking?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute it with a homemade roux using butter, flour, and chicken broth
Conclusion
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a simple yet delicious meal that delivers comfort food at its best. The crunchy, cheesy coating combined with a creamy sauce makes it a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it out and enjoy a crispy, cheesy, and satisfying dish!
Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a comforting, family-friendly dish featuring tender chicken coated in a cheesy, buttery Ritz cracker crust. Baked to golden perfection and served with a creamy sauce, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy its crunchy texture, rich cheddar flavor, and creamy topping for a satisfying meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken tenders or 4 large chicken breasts
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
For the Sauce:
- 1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and mix in salt and pepper.
- If using chicken breasts, cut each into three large pieces.
- Prepare three bowls: one for milk, one for grated cheese, and one for cracker crumbs.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the milk, then coat with cheese, pressing it onto the chicken.
- Roll the cheese-coated chicken in the cracker crumbs, pressing to ensure even coverage.
- Place the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle dried parsley on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter. Stir until heated through.
- Serve the sauce over the crispy cheddar chicken and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, mix crushed cornflakes with the cracker crumbs.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better and sticks to the chicken more effectively.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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