Description
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a deliciously cheesy and crunchy baked dish featuring tender chicken coated in a flavorful blend of cheddar cheese, crushed Ritz crackers, and seasonings. Topped with a creamy homemade sauce made from cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter, this comforting dinner is perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pounds chicken tenders, or 4 large chicken breasts
- 2 tubes Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Sauce
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Coating: Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. If using large chicken breasts, cut each breast into 3 large pieces to ensure even cooking. In three separate small pans, pour the milk, cheese, and cracker crumbs. Mix salt and pepper into the cracker crumbs thoroughly. Dip each chicken piece first into the milk, then press it into the grated cheddar cheese watching the cheese stick evenly to the surface. Finally, press the cheesy coated chicken into the cracker crumbs, making sure the crumbs adhere well for maximum crispiness.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken pieces evenly in the pan. Sprinkle the dried parsley evenly over the top to add flavor and color. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges of the chicken turn golden brown and crispy, indicating they are done.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter in a medium saucepan. Whisk the mixture together and place over medium-high heat. Stir continuously until the sauce is heated through, smooth, and slightly thickened, making sure not to boil.
- Serve: Once the chicken is out of the oven and perfectly crispy, spoon the warm creamy sauce over the chicken pieces. Serve immediately for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Using chicken tenders speeds up prep, but cutting breasts into pieces works just as well.
- Ensure cracker crumbs are finely crushed for better coating adhesion.
- Watch the chicken closely after removing foil to avoid burning the crispy coating.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier sauce.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some garlic powder into the cracker crumbs.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
