🧀 Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Golden, Cheesy, and Packed with Comfort-Food Flavor
If you’re craving something cozy, crunchy, and utterly satisfying, this Crispy Cheddar Chicken is calling your name! Tender chicken breasts are smothered in tangy sour cream, coated in sharp cheddar cheese, and wrapped in a buttery Ritz cracker crust that bakes to golden perfection. It’s weeknight comfort food made extra delicious.
Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just treating yourself, this cheesy chicken dinner is bound to steal the show. Let’s get crispy!
📋 Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1½ cups Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 sleeve)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Tip: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before coating.
📝 Directions:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2️⃣ Set Up the Coating Stations
You’ll need three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Sour cream
- Bowl 2: Ritz cracker crumbs + garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
- Bowl 3: Grated cheddar cheese
Make sure your cheese is grated fresh off the block for maximum melt and flavor!
3️⃣ Coat the Chicken
Take each chicken breast and:
- Dip it into the sour cream, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Press it into the cheddar cheese, patting the cheese on so it sticks.
- Roll it in the seasoned cracker crumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even crust.
Place the coated chicken directly into your prepared baking dish.
4️⃣ Add the Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the tops of the chicken. This will help the crust get ultra crispy and flavorful as it bakes.
5️⃣ Bake Until Crispy
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the coating is beautifully golden.
Optional: Broil for the last 2 minutes if you want extra crisp on top!
6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve alongside mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded, comforting dinner.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the sour cream for a kick.
- Kid-friendly: These cheesy bites are picky-eater approved!
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to bring back the crunch.
Serving Size: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories (est.): 500–550 per serving
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken is what comfort food dreams are made of—cheesy, crunchy, and impossibly crave-worthy. Serve it up on a weeknight or bring it to the table for a cozy Sunday dinner. Either way, it’s sure to earn rave reviews!
