Description
Crispy cheddar chicken brings golden-brown comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Cheesy breaded goodness promises a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Coating:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Liquids:
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to a robust 400°F, ensuring a consistent temperature for optimal cooking.
- Transform chicken breasts into uniform thickness through careful pounding, creating an even surface for consistent coating and cooking.
- Construct a strategic three-stage coating process: immerse each chicken piece first in creamy milk, then generously envelop with sharp cheddar shreds, followed by a robust cracker mixture seasoned with aromatic garlic powder, zesty onion powder, vibrant paprika, and essential salt and pepper.
- Methodically transfer each lavishly coated chicken piece into a well-greased baking vessel, positioning them with precision to promote even heat distribution.
- Enhance the potential for crispy perfection by delicately drizzling melted butter across the chicken’s textured surface, promoting golden-brown coloration and rich flavor development.
- Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to transform for approximately 25-30 minutes, tracking its progression until the exterior achieves a satisfying crunch and the interior reaches safe, succulent doneness.
- Extract the chicken from the oven and allow a brief resting period before presenting alongside complementary accompaniments that harmonize with the dish’s robust flavor profile.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly to guarantee consistent cooking and a crispy texture throughout.
- Crush crackers finely for an extra crunchy coating that adheres perfectly to the chicken’s surface.
- Use full-fat milk for better cheese adherence and a richer flavor profile in the coating.
- For gluten-free option, swap regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the crispy exterior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg