When you crave something that's crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and oozing with rich cheddar cheese, this Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe delivers in every bite. It's a weeknight dinner hero, a family favorite that combines the buttery crunch of Ritz crackers with the sharp, melty goodness of cheddar—all wrapped around perfectly seasoned chicken breasts. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters, a hungry crew, or just yourself, this dish is guaranteed to steal the show.
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Ingredients & Their Delicious Purpose
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
The star of the show. Lean, protein-packed, and a perfect canvas for the cheesy-crunchy coating.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Opt for sharp cheddar to get a bolder, richer flavor. This melts beautifully and gives that irresistible gooey texture inside the crust.
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 1 cup, crushed)
These buttery crackers create the signature golden crunch that makes this dish legendary. They’re also naturally seasoned, so no need to overdo the salt.
1/2 cup milk
Helps the cheese stick to the chicken. Think of it as the glue that binds the first layer of flavor.
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Adds a subtle aromatic depth to balance the richness of the cheese and cracker crust.
Salt and pepper, to taste
Essential for seasoning the chicken itself—simple but critical.
2 tbsp butter (optional, for drizzling)
Melted and drizzled over the top before baking to boost the crunch factor and create a golden-brown finish.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Crush the crackers: Place Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or pulse them in a food processor. Aim for fine crumbs with a few larger pieces for texture.
3. Set up your dredging stations:
Pour milk into a shallow bowl.
Place the shredded cheddar in another bowl.
Add the cracker crumbs to a third bowl and season them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Prepare the chicken: Pat each chicken breast dry, then dip in milk, roll in the cheddar cheese (pressing firmly), and then coat thoroughly with the cracker mixture.
5. Place the coated chicken in your prepared baking dish. Optional: Drizzle a little melted butter over each piece for extra crispiness.
6. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F/75°C).
7. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices in and makes slicing easier.
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Why This Recipe is So Loved
Kid-approved & adult-adored
It's cheesy, crunchy, and fun to eat—what's not to love?
Quick prep, big flavor
Minimal ingredients and maximum comfort food payoff.
Customizable
Add a pinch of paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning to the cracker crumbs to mix things up.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly.
Press the coating on firmly: Don’t be shy—press that cheddar and cracker combo into the chicken so it sticks during baking.
Don’t skip the resting time: It keeps your chicken juicy and helps the crust stay intact when slicing.
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Serving Suggestions
Pair this Crispy Cheddar Chicken with:
Mashed potatoes or buttery garlic rice
Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
A crisp garden salad with ranch or honey mustard dressing
A drizzle of homemade gravy or a creamy Dijon sauce if you want to take it over the top
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Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Go-To Dinner
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe is everything you want in a home-cooked meal—easy, affordable, and absolutely mouthwatering. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple baking process, you’ll have a dish that rivals restaurant quality with the soul of a homemade classic.
Whether you're planning a cozy family dinner, hosting guests, or just craving something cheesy and satisfying, this recipe will become a repeat in your kitchen. Try it once and watch it disappear off plates—fast.
Bookmark, Pin, or Print this
recipe today—you won’t regret it.
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