Say goodbye to frying and hello to this healthier, yet incredibly delicious, Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe. Baked to achieve a perfect golden crispiness, this dish is a delightful twist on classic chicken recipes. It’s a great way to enjoy a comfort food favorite with a cheesy, crunchy coating that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb chicken tenders or 4 large chicken breasts
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup whole milk (2% milk can also be used)
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tsp dried parsley
For the Sauce:
- 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 2 Tbsp sour cream
- 2 Tbsp butter
Directions:
- Preparation:
- Start by crushing the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. If you’re using chicken breasts instead of tenders, cut each breast into 3 large pieces.
- Pour the milk, grated cheese, and cracker crumbs into three separate small pans. Add the salt and pepper to the cracker crumbs and stir to combine.
- Coating the Chicken:
- Dip each piece of chicken first into the milk, then into the cheese. Press the cheese onto the chicken with your fingers to ensure it sticks.
- Next, press the cheese-coated chicken into the cracker crumbs, making sure it’s well coated.
- Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray and place the chicken in the pan.
- Baking:
- Sprinkle dried parsley over the chicken.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 minutes.
- After 35 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the edges of the chicken are golden brown and crispy.
- Preparing the Sauce:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter. Use a whisk to mix them together.
- Cook over medium-high heat until the sauce is hot and smooth.
- Serving:
- Serve the chicken hot, drizzled with the creamy sauce.
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of fried chicken but with a healthier, baked approach. The combination of the crunchy, cheesy coating with the tender chicken inside creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but also packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or whenever you’re in the mood for a comforting and delicious meal. Enjoy this easy-to-make, scrumptious chicken dish that’s sure to become a new favorite!