Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Save this recipe on:

Golden, crunchy, and irresistibly cheesy – Crispy Cheddar Chicken is comfort food at its best. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crunchy cheddar crumb crust, baked to perfection, and then draped in a rich creamy sauce. It’s the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation, perfect for family meals or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

What makes this chicken extra special is the contrast of textures: the crisp, flavorful coating against the tender, juicy chicken inside. Paired with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies, it becomes a dinner that satisfies every craving.

---

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use?

Sharp cheddar is the star here. Its bold, tangy flavor cuts through the richness and provides the signature cheesy punch. You can experiment with mild cheddar or even a Colby-Jack blend for a mellower flavor, but sharp cheddar gives the best contrast and stands up well to baking.

---

Ingredients for the Crispy Cheddar Chicken

• Chicken breasts: The canvas for all the crispy, cheesy goodness. Use boneless, skinless breasts or thighs for a juicier option.
• Cheddar cheese: Grated sharp cheddar melts into the crust and infuses flavor into every bite.
• Ritz crackers or buttery crackers: They add a light, crunchy texture and a touch of saltiness that balances the cheese.
• Eggs: Help the coating stick and add a layer of richness.
• Flour: Creates a base layer that ensures the egg and crumbs hold on tight.
• Cream of chicken soup: For the luscious sauce that gets drizzled over the baked chicken.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess to the sauce, making it extra indulgent.
• Butter: Helps with the sauce texture and adds a silky finish.

---

How To Make the Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station

Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of crushed Ritz crackers and shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece first in the flour, then the egg, and finally press it into the cheesy cracker mixture until well coated on all sides.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Place the coated chicken in a greased baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

While the chicken bakes, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter in a small saucepan. Heat over low until smooth and warmed through.

Step 6: Serve with Sauce

Once baked, drizzle the creamy sauce over the crispy chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. Sprinkle with parsley if desired for a pop of color.

---

Serving and Storing Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Serve Crispy Cheddar Chicken fresh from the oven while the crust is golden and the sauce is warm and velvety. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh garden salad. For an extra indulgence, drizzle more sauce right before serving or offer it on the side as a dip.

Leftovers? No problem! Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore the crispy texture—the microwave will work, but the coating may soften. Freeze un-sauced portions for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven for a nearly fresh experience.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the cracker mixture, or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.

Can I use other cheeses?

Yes! While sharp cheddar is classic, try pepper jack for heat or parmesan for a salty punch.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free crackers and flour substitutes to make a gluten-free version.

Can I make it ahead?

You can coat the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking, but it’s best baked fresh for maximum crispiness.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

Swap in cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a twist, or make a homemade roux-based sauce.

---

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Crispy Cheddar Chicken, check out these other crowd-pleasers from the blog:

• Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken for that classic southern crunch.
• Chicken Pot Pie Bake with Cheddar Bay Biscuits when you’re craving cozy comfort.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal.
• Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon if you want to switch it up with seafood.
• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for a restaurant-style dinner at home.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime: Life with Jam on Pinterest.

I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add any spice or change up the cheese? Share your results and tips in the comments below. Let’s swap ideas and make every dinner a hit!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: