Description
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in sharp cheddar cheese and buttery crushed crackers, baked to golden perfection. The flavorful blend of garlic, onion, paprika, and a crispy cheese crust creates a delicious main course ideal for family dinners or weeknight meals. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, this easy-to-make dish delivers comfort and crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve (about 30) buttery round crackers (like Ritz)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash and Butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Crush Crackers: Using a food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin, crush the buttery crackers into fine crumbs to create the chicken coating.
- Mix Seasoned Crumbs: In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed crackers with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully blended.
- Set Cheese Layer: Place the shredded cheddar cheese in a third bowl, ready for coating the chicken.
- Even Chicken Thickness: If needed, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the egg wash, then press it into the shredded cheddar cheese, followed by dredging it in the seasoned cracker crumbs, firmly pressing to make the coating adhere well.
- Arrange in Dish: Place the coated chicken pieces into the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Butter Drizzle: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the coated chicken breasts to enhance browning and flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust turns golden and crispy.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, place a wire rack over the baking dish and bake the chicken on the rack instead of directly on the dish.
- Mixing a little grated Parmesan cheese into the shredded cheddar adds an extra depth of flavor.
