Try Our Crispy Cheesy Baked Chicken Recipe – Hot and Savory

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this crispy cheesy baked chicken strikes the perfect balance between comfort and flavor.

Golden-brown edges promise a delightful crunch that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

Tender chicken breasts nestled beneath a blanket of melted cheese create a mouthwatering masterpiece.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.

Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory and crispy textures that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that satisfies and delights.

Dive into a dinner that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Why Crispy Cheesy Chicken Hits the Spot

• Elevate Everyday Meals: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Foolproof Cooking: Master this recipe with super simple steps that guarantee delicious results, even for beginner home cooks who want impressive meals.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine crispy Ritz cracker coating with melted cheese for a nostalgic, crowd-favorite dinner that satisfies both kids and adults with its irresistible texture and flavor.
• Budget-Friendly Gourmet: Create a restaurant-quality meal using affordable ingredients like chicken breasts, crackers, and pantry staples, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious families.

Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat perfect for a delicious dinner.

• Ritz Crackers, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Crunchy and cheesy coating that adds irresistible flavor.

• Egg, Milk: Helps create a smooth and crispy coating.

• Salt, Garlic Pepper: Brings out the savory flavors of the chicken.

• Butter, Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce that complements the crispy chicken.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and light flavor.

Making Crispy Cheesy Chicken at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Grab a baking pan and coat it with nonstick spray to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Create Coating Zones

• Whisked egg and milk mixture
• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 3: Dress the Chicken

• Sprinkle salt and garlic pepper over chicken breasts
• Dunk each piece into the egg-milk bath
• Press a generous layer of cheddar cheese onto the chicken
• Roll the cheese-covered chicken in crushed crackers

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the coated chicken on the prepared pan.

Slide into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F and boasts a crunchy, golden exterior.

Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk

Whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and warm.

Step 6: Plate and Savor

Transfer the crispy chicken to serving plates.

Drizzle the creamy sauce over the top or serve on the side for dipping.

Sprinkle fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Cooking Tips for Crispy Baked Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts dry before coating to help the egg mixture and cracker crumbs adhere more effectively, creating a crispier exterior.
• Place a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation, ensuring the chicken stays crisp on all sides during baking.
• Refrigerate the cheese-coated chicken for 15 minutes before adding cracker crumbs to help the cheese stick better and create a more even coating.
• Experiment with different crackers like panko breadcrumbs or seasoned crackers to vary the texture and flavor of the chicken's crispy coating.
• Prepare the coated chicken up to a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Chicken

• Place leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm chicken at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
• Heat chicken in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking. Add a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture and crispiness.

Sides for Crispy Baked Chicken

• Flavor Boost Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes that complement the creamy sauce and match the richness of the cheesy chicken.
• Refreshing Beverage Partner: Serve a cold, light pilsner beer that cuts through the heavy cheese coating and provides a refreshing contrast to the rich dish.
• Vegetable Side Harmony: Roast asparagus spears with garlic and lemon zest to add a bright, fresh element that balances the crispy, cheesy chicken and enhances the overall meal experience.
• Sauce Dipping Companion: Prepare a quick cucumber and dill salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a cool, tangy side that cleanses the palate between bites of the rich chicken.

Twist Ideas for Cheesy Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch Chicken: Replace Ritz crackers with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the crispy texture.
• Herb-Infused Parmesan Chicken: Swap cheddar cheese with grated parmesan and add dried herbs like thyme and rosemary to the cracker coating for an aromatic Mediterranean-style dish.
• Low-Carb Almond Crusted Chicken: Use ground almond meal instead of crackers and swap milk for heavy cream to create a keto-friendly protein option with a nutty, crunchy exterior.
• Greek Yogurt Lightened Chicken: Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt in the sauce to reduce calories and increase protein content while maintaining a creamy, tangy flavor profile.

FAQs

• How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy and doesn't dry out?

Coating the chicken in egg mixture and using the cream sauce helps keep the meat moist. Also, avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which guarantees perfectly cooked chicken.

• Can I use different types of crackers for the coating?

Absolutely! Panko breadcrumbs, cornflake crumbs, or even seasoned breadcrumbs work great as alternatives to Ritz crackers. Each will provide a slightly different texture and flavor to the chicken.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, this dish is perfect for kids. The crispy coating and cheesy flavor make it appealing to children, and the mild seasoning means it’s not too spicy or complicated for young palates.

• What can I do if I don't have garlic pepper?

You can substitute with a mix of regular black pepper and garlic powder, or simply use salt and pepper. The key is to season the chicken before coating to enhance its overall flavor.

Crispy Cheesy Baked Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy cheesy baked chicken delivers a mouthwatering fusion of golden, crunchy exterior and succulent inner meat. Parmesan-crusted and perfectly seasoned, this dish promises a delightful meal that satisfies both comfort and gourmet cravings when you want something special.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating and Cheese:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
• 1 large egg
• Salt, to taste
• Garlic pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 400°F and lightly coating a baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent adherence.
2. Create three separate preparation stations: one with whisked egg and milk mixture, another with crushed Ritz crackers, and the final station with shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Carefully season chicken breasts with salt and garlic pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasoning across the surface.
4. Dunk each chicken piece into the egg mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off before transferring to the cheese station.
5. Gently press shredded cheddar onto the moistened chicken, creating a thin cheese layer that will help the cracker coating adhere.
6. Roll the cheese-covered chicken in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing firmly to create a complete and even crispy exterior.
7. Position the fully coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking pan, maintaining space between each piece for consistent heat circulation.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and develops a golden, crunchy exterior.
9. While chicken bakes, craft a complementary sauce by melting butter and whisking together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.
10. Once chicken is cooked, plate and drizzle with the creamy sauce or serve it alongside as a dipping option. Optional parsley garnish can add a fresh visual touch.

Notes

• Use room temperature chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness during baking.
• Choose thick, uniform chicken breasts for consistent texture and appearance.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help coating adhere better and create extra crispiness.
• Crush Ritz crackers finely but not too fine to maintain a crunchy texture.
• For gluten-free version, swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
• Add extra flavor by mixing dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the cracker crumb coating.
• Use a meat thermometer to accurately check chicken’s internal temperature and prevent overcooking.
• Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to help retain moisture and improve overall juiciness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg