Crispy Cheddar Chicken, the name itself, is enough to make your mouth water. This delectable dish takes the concept of crispy chicken to new heights with its crunchy crust made from crushed Ritz crackers and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese.

The best part? It’s baked, not fried, which means you can indulge in all the crispy goodness without the hassle of frying. In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, preparation steps, and why Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a game-changer in the world of comfort food. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.

Crispy Cheddar Chicken boasts a simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients that make it a crowd-pleaser. Here’s what you’ll need to create this crispy delight:

Chicken:

• Chicken Tenders (2 lbs) or Large Chicken Breasts (4): Choose your preferred cut for the base of the dish.

Crust:

• Ritz Crackers (2 sleeves): Crushed to form the crispy crust.
• Salt (1/4 tsp) and Pepper (1/8 tsp): Seasonings to enhance the flavor of the cracker crumbs.
• Whole Milk (1/2 cup): Provides moisture for the cheese and cracker coating.
• Cheddar Cheese, Grated (3 cups): Adds a layer of irresistible gooeyness and flavor.
• Dried Parsley (1 tsp): A finishing touch for a hint of color and herbal aroma.

Sauce:

• Cream of Chicken Soup (10 oz can): The creamy base for the sauce.
• Sour Cream (2 tbsp): Adds a tangy creaminess to the sauce.
• Butter (2 tbsp): Enhances the richness and texture of the sauce.

Creating Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a delightful journey through layers of texture and flavor. Follow these steps to craft this crispy masterpiece:

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Crush Ritz Crackers: Begin by crushing the Ritz crackers to form the crispy coating. Place them in a shallow pan or dish.
2. Chicken Tenders or Breasts: If using chicken breasts, cut each breast into three large pieces. This ensures even cooking and bite-sized portions.
3. Dipping and Coating: In three separate small pans, arrange the whole milk, grated cheddar cheese, and the seasoned cracker crumbs (with salt and pepper).
4. Dip and Press: Dip each piece of chicken into the milk, then coat it generously with cheddar cheese. Press the cheese firmly onto the chicken to create a cheesy coating.
5. Crumb Coating: After the cheese coating, press the chicken into the cracker crumbs, ensuring the crumbs adhere to the cheese-coated chicken pieces.
6. Pan Preparation: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and place the coated chicken inside the pan.

Baking and Sauce Preparation: 7. Season and Bake: Sprinkle dried parsley over the chicken for an extra layer of flavor. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake at 400 degrees for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the edges of the chicken are golden brown and irresistibly crispy.

8. Sauce Creation: While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter. Whisk the ingredients together over medium-high heat until the sauce is hot and well combined.

Once the Crispy Cheddar Chicken is baked to perfection and the sauce is hot, it’s time to serve. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the crispy chicken for a burst of flavor and richness. Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a triumph of textures, with the crunchy crust giving way to tender, cheesy chicken beneath. It’s a delightful dish that captures the essence of comfort food, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With its baked preparation, you can enjoy the satisfaction of crispy chicken without the need for frying. Prepare to savor the unbeatable combination of crispy, cheesy, and creamy goodness that is Crispy Cheddar Chicken.