Crispy Cheddar Chicken

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Golden, crunchy, and oozing with melted cheddar, this Crispy Cheddar Chicken is comfort food at its most craveable. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the seasoned coating, followed by the richness of gooey cheese and tender, juicy chicken. Drizzled with a creamy sauce and sprinkled with fresh herbs, it’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something everyone remembers.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining friends and family. It comes together quickly with pantry-friendly ingredients and doesn’t require deep-frying, yet gives that irresistible crispy exterior. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or atop a salad, this chicken is bound to be a household favorite.

---

What Kind of Cheese Works Best for Crispy Cheddar Chicken?

Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor and melts beautifully, making it the top choice for this recipe. You can also blend in mild cheddar for a creamier finish or use a cheddar-jack mix if you prefer a slightly milder taste. Just be sure to shred your cheese fresh if possible—pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that affect melt and texture.

---

Ingredients for the Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect for slicing into cutlets that cook evenly and stay moist inside.

Cheddar cheese – Sharp or medium cheddar brings bold flavor and richness that pairs beautifully with the crispy coating.

Ritz crackers or buttery round crackers – Crushed finely, these give a golden, buttery crunch to every bite.

Milk – Helps the cheese adhere to the chicken before breading.

Eggs – Adds structure to help bind the coating and provide an extra crisp texture.

All-purpose flour – Forms the base layer in the breading process for a better grip on the egg wash and crumbs.

Garlic powder and paprika – These seasonings give depth and warmth to the coating.

Butter – Melted and drizzled before baking for that golden, fried-like finish.

Parsley – Freshly chopped for garnish and a pop of color and herbiness.

Cream of chicken soup + sour cream – This optional sauce drizzled over the top adds extra richness and moisture.

---

How To Make the Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. This ensures even cooking and helps them stay juicy.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Stations

Set out three shallow bowls. One with flour seasoned with garlic powder and paprika. One with the milk and eggs whisked together. The third with a mixture of shredded cheddar cheese and crushed Ritz crackers.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, then dip into the milk-egg mixture. Press into the cheddar-cracker mix, ensuring it adheres well on both sides.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Place the coated chicken on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle melted butter over the top of each piece. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce (Optional)

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 can of cream of chicken soup with ½ cup sour cream. Stir until warm and smooth. Drizzle over the baked chicken just before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

---

How to Serve and Store Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Serve Crispy Cheddar Chicken hot and fresh from the oven, drizzled with the creamy sauce and a sprinkle of parsley. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad. For a fun twist, slice it up and add to wraps or sandwiches.

Leftovers? No problem. Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain that crispiness, warm it in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. The sauce can be reheated separately on the stovetop or microwave.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Make sure each step in the breading process is done thoroughly. Press the cracker-cheese mixture firmly onto the chicken to help it stick. Letting the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before baking also helps set the crust.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free crackers and flour to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Is the creamy sauce necessary?

Not at all—the chicken is delicious on its own. The sauce just adds another layer of flavor and moisture.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken a few hours in advance and refrigerate it on a baking tray. Bake just before serving for best results.

What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?

You can substitute with crushed cornflakes, panko, or any buttery-style crackers for a similar texture.

Can I use dark meat instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and add even more juiciness.

---

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Crispy Cheddar Chicken, try these other easy, cheesy favorites:

• Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini for a creamy pasta-meets-steak combo.
• Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff when you’re in the mood for hearty, saucy comfort food.
• Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup for something cozy in a bowl.
• Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip if you’re craving bold, sweet-spicy flavors.
• Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs for a stuffed, handheld cheesy treat.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add your own twist with a different cheese or spice blend? Maybe used thighs instead of breasts?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?