The Crispiest, Cheesiest Baked Chicken Recipe Ever Made

Succulent chicken transforms into a mouthwatering delight with this crispy cheesy baked chicken recipe that promises golden-brown perfection.

The combination of crunchy breadcrumbs and melted cheese creates an irresistible outer layer that seals in delicious moisture.

Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch that breaks through to tender, juicy meat underneath.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive dish with just a few pantry staples.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you experience this crowd-pleasing chicken sensation.

The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the table, eager to savor each crispy, cheesy morsel.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this unbelievably delectable chicken masterpiece.

What Makes Crispy Cheesy Baked Chicken So Good

• Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort, using pantry staples like Ritz crackers and shredded cheese for a gourmet meal.
• Kids and adults will love the irresistible crispy, cheesy coating that adds exciting texture and flavor to classic chicken breasts.
• No complex cooking skills required – just dip, coat, and bake for a perfectly golden, crunchy chicken that delivers maximum taste with minimal preparation.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different side dishes and provides a satisfying, hearty meal everyone will enjoy.

All the Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the base for this crispy, cheesy dish.

• Ritz Crackers, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a crunchy, flavorful exterior that adds texture and rich cheese flavor to the chicken.
• Egg, Milk: Acts as a binding agent to help the coating stick to the chicken and create a golden, crisp surface.

• Salt, Garlic Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
• Butter, Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Milk: Creates a creamy, savory sauce that complements the crispy chicken.

Kitchen Tools for the Best Cheesy Baked Chicken

• Baking Pan: Large, flat pan for even cooking and easy chicken placement.
• Shallow Dishes: Three needed for egg mixture, cheese, and cracker coating.
• Whisk: Essential for blending egg, milk, and sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Small Saucepan: Perfect for preparing creamy sauce on stovetop.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure milk and other liquid ingredients.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures chicken doesn’t stick to baking pan.
• Knife: For seasoning and preparing chicken breasts if needed.

How to Bake Crispy Cheesy Chicken with Ease

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F (200C).

Grab a baking pan and give it a quick spritz of nonstick cooking spray to keep things from sticking.

Step 2: Create Coating Magic

• Egg
• Milk

Grab a second dish and dump in crushed Ritz crackers.

In a third dish, sprinkle out shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Transform Chicken into Flavor Bombs

• Salt
• Garlic pepper

Dunk each piece first into the egg mixture, then press on a generous layer of cheese, and finally roll in those crispy cracker crumbs until completely covered.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the coated chicken on the prepared pan.

Slide into the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and sporting a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

While chicken bakes, create a luxurious sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.

• Butter
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk

Whisk everything together until smooth and heated through.

This sauce will take your chicken from great to absolutely incredible.

Baked Chicken: Tips for Extra Crunch and Flavor

• Use a rolling pin or food processor to create fine, even Ritz cracker crumbs for maximum crispiness and better adhesion to the chicken.
• Gently press the shredded cheese onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well before adding the cracker coating.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, preventing overcooking and maintaining juiciness.
• Whisk sauce ingredients continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a creamy, uniform consistency.
• Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for those with dietary restrictions.

Ways to Vary Your Cheesy Baked Chicken Recipe

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap Ritz crackers with crushed gluten-free corn flakes or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast and use coconut milk instead of dairy milk for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spicy Herb Chicken: Add cayenne pepper and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cracker coating for a zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use crushed pork rinds instead of crackers and swap cream of chicken soup with heavy cream and chicken broth for a keto-friendly meal.

How to Present and Serve Cheesy Baked Chicken

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair the crispy chicken with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Veggie Companion: Roast colorful vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus alongside the chicken for a balanced and nutritious dinner that adds vibrant freshness to the plate.
• Sauce Dip Delight: Serve extra sauce in a small side dish for dipping, allowing everyone to drizzle or drench their chicken in the rich, creamy goodness according to their taste preferences.
• Herb Garnish Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top of the chicken just before serving to add a pop of color and a subtle, zesty flavor that brightens the entire dish.

Best Ways to Store Cheesy Baked Chicken for Later

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving the crispy coating and cheesy flavor.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F, maintaining crispiness.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking and preserve moisture.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with other crackers like saltines or breadcrumbs. Each will give a slightly different texture and flavor to the chicken.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who are lactose intolerant?

No, this recipe contains dairy products like milk, cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. You would need to use lactose-free alternatives or modify the recipe.

• How can I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

Crispy Cheesy Baked Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheesy baked chicken delivers a mouthwatering blend of crispy coating and melted cheese. Homemade comfort satisfies dinner cravings with golden-brown perfection that brings families together around the table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
• 1 large egg
• Salt, to taste
• Garlic pepper, to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (10 ounces/284 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and coat a baking pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy release of the chicken.
2. Create three separate coating stations: one with whisked egg and milk mixture, another with finely crushed Ritz crackers, and the third with shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and garlic pepper, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
4. Dunk each chicken piece into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then press shredded cheese directly onto the surface.
5. Carefully roll the cheese-covered chicken in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to create a uniform, crispy exterior coating.
6. Arrange the breaded chicken on the prepared baking pan, maintaining space between each piece for even cooking.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the coating turns golden brown and crispy.
8. While chicken bakes, prepare the accompanying sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
9. Whisk cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk into the melted butter, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
10. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving with the warm, creamy sauce.

Notes

• Customize Cracker Coating Experiment with different types of crackers like panko, saltines, or even crushed cornflakes to add unique textures and flavors to the chicken’s crispy exterior.
• Cheese Variation Mix different cheeses like parmesan, mozzarella, or Swiss to create a more complex and rich cheese coating that complements the chicken’s crispy crust.
• Make It Healthier Swap full-fat ingredients with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, use whole wheat crackers, and opt for low-sodium cream of chicken soup to reduce calories and increase nutritional value.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 1000mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 150mg