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Crunchy Cheddar Chicken That Everyone Loves
My family goes crazy whenever I make this crispy cheddar Ritz chicken. The buttery crackers and melty cheese create the most incredible coating while keeping the chicken perfectly tender inside. It's become my reliable dinner hero whether I'm feeding picky kids or having friends over.
Better Than Restaurant Chicken
The secret to this dish is using those savory Roasted Vegetable Ritz crackers and real shredded cheddar. Together they create this amazing golden crust that gets so crispy in the oven. Add the creamy sauce and suddenly you've got something that tastes totally gourmet but is actually super simple to make.
What You'll Need
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts as a tender base.
- Ritz Crackers: Roasted Vegetable flavor adds savory crunch.
- Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded for maximum melt and flavor.
- Milk and Egg Mixture: Helps the coating adhere evenly.
- Seasonings: Garlic pepper and salt enhance the overall flavor.
- Creamy Sauce: Made with cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and butter for indulgent richness.
Making Your Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken
- Clean and trim chicken breasts. Pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season with garlic pepper and salt.
- Create the Coating
- Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs, shred cheddar cheese, and set up a dredging station with milk-egg mixture, cheese, and crumbs in separate dishes.
- Dredge the Chicken
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, press firmly into shredded cheese, and coat with crushed crackers. Ensure even coverage.
- Bake the Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place coated chicken on a greased baking pan and bake for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until smooth and creamy.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Drizzle sauce over the baked chicken or serve on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
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Make It Your Way
I love playing around with different variations. Sometimes I'll toast the cracker crumbs first for extra crunch or swap in pepper jack cheese when we want some heat. My gluten-free friend uses crushed cornflakes instead of Ritz and says it turns out great. Last week I tried it with zucchini slices for my vegetarian daughter and she absolutely loved it.
Keeping It Fresh
If you happen to have leftovers they'll stay good in the fridge for about 3 days. I like to wrap individual pieces before freezing so we can easily grab just what we need. The key to reheating is using the oven not the microwave it keeps that coating nice and crispy. Just pop it in at 350°F until it's heated through.
Your Questions Answered
Friends always ask about switching up the Ritz flavors any kind works great but the garlic butter ones are especially delicious. No cream of chicken soup? Try cream of mushroom or make your own quick sauce with butter flour and broth. You can definitely prep this ahead just keep the coated chicken covered in the fridge until you're ready to bake. I always use a meat thermometer to get perfectly cooked chicken every time. Serve it with some creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of Ritz crackers work best?
While Roasted Vegetable flavor is recommended, regular Ritz crackers work great too. The buttery flavor of any Ritz variety complements the chicken well.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and coating ahead, but wait to bake until serving. The crackers stay crispier when baked fresh.
- → What sides go well with this chicken?
This chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a green salad. The creamy sauce also tastes great over rice or pasta.
- → How do I keep the coating crispy?
Make sure to press the cheese and crackers firmly onto the chicken. Don't overcrowd the baking pan, as this can make the coating soggy.
- → Can I use different cheese?
While cheddar is classic, you can try other melting cheeses like monterey jack or colby. Just avoid soft cheeses that might make the coating too wet.
Conclusion
Transform chicken into a family favorite with a crispy coating of Ritz crackers and cheddar cheese. Topped with a creamy sauce, it's comfort food that's simple to make.