Description

Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a delightful baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a crunchy Ritz cracker and cheddar cheese crust, baked to golden perfection. It’s served with a creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter for rich flavor and moisture. This hearty recipe makes for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s both easy to prepare and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

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% milk can be substituted)
3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1 tsp dried parsley

Sauce

10 oz can cream of chicken soup
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp butter

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken and coating: If using chicken breasts, cut each breast into three large pieces. Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. Set up three shallow pans with milk in one, grated cheddar cheese in another, and seasoned cracker crumbs (with salt and pepper) in the third.
Coat the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the milk first, then into the grated cheddar cheese, pressing gently so the cheese sticks. Finally, dip into the seasoned cracker crumbs, pressing firmly to get an even coating.
Arrange for baking: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and arrange the coated chicken pieces evenly spaced inside. Sprinkle dried parsley over the chicken for added flavor.
Bake covered: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35 minutes to cook the chicken thoroughly.
Bake uncovered for crispiness: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes or until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Prepare the sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter in a medium saucepan. Whisk over medium-high heat until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
Serve: Plate the crispy cheddar chicken and serve with the creamy sauce spooned over or on the side for dipping.

Notes

You can substitute 2% milk for whole milk without a significant change in taste or texture.
Make sure the cracker crumbs are finely crushed for an even, crispy coating.
Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for best melting and flavor.
Covering the chicken during the first part of baking ensures juicy chicken, while uncovering crisps up the coating.
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad.