Julia Walton
Golden, crunchy, and smothered in a creamy sauce—this Crispy Cheddar Chicken is comfort food at its finest. Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts are coated in crushed crackers and sharp cheddar, baked until crisp, then drizzled with a rich, homemade cheddar sauce. It’s an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that makes it an instant family favorite.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress at a weekend gathering, this dish brings both simplicity and indulgence to your table. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or even a crisp garden salad. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it part of your regular dinner rotation.
What Kind of Cheese Works Best for Crispy Cheddar Chicken?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for this recipe. Its bold, tangy flavor stands up well to the richness of the cream sauce and adds a punch to every bite. You can experiment with blends like white cheddar or add a bit of Monterey Jack for a smoother melt. For a spicier twist, pepper jack can bring a gentle heat that complements the crispiness.
Ingredients for the Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean, meaty base that stays juicy inside while crisping up on the outside.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and helps the cracker coating stick to the chicken, locking in moisture during baking.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar brings bold flavor and helps form the crispy crust.
Ritz Crackers: Crushed to form a golden, buttery coating that gets wonderfully crunchy when baked.
Butter: Melted butter enhances the flavor of the crust and ensures it browns evenly.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Forms the base of the creamy sauce poured over the chicken.
Milk: Lightens the sauce and gives it a smooth, pourable texture.
Parsley (optional): Adds a touch of color and freshness as a garnish.
How To Make the Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Flatten the chicken breasts slightly with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking. Cut them into smaller portions if desired for quicker baking and crispier edges.
Step 2: Create the Coating Station
Set up three shallow bowls: one with sour cream, one with shredded cheddar cheese, and one with crushed Ritz crackers. Dip each piece of chicken into the sour cream first, making sure it’s well coated.
Step 3: Coat With Cheese and Crackers
Next, press the chicken into the shredded cheddar, allowing the cheese to adhere. Then roll it in the crushed crackers, pressing gently so the coating sticks firmly to the chicken.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Place the coated chicken pieces in a greased baking dish. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top to help the crust brown and crisp. Bake uncovered for about 35 to 40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
Step 5: Make the Cheddar Sauce
While the chicken bakes, combine one can of cream of chicken soup with 1/4 cup milk in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until smooth and warmed through. For a cheesier flavor, you can stir in a handful of extra shredded cheddar.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the chicken is done, plate it and pour the warm sauce over each portion. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Serving and Storing Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the crust is at its crunchiest and the sauce is warm and velvety. Serve it immediately after adding the sauce to maintain the texture contrast.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to bring back some of the crispiness. Reheat the sauce separately and pour it over the chicken just before serving.
What to Serve With Crispy Cheddar Chicken?
Mashed Potatoes
A creamy and buttery side that perfectly complements the cheesy richness of the chicken.
Steamed Green Beans
Light and crisp, they add a fresh bite and balance out the heavier textures.
Garlic Roasted Broccoli
Bold and nutty with a touch of char, it enhances the savory flavor of the dish.
Buttery Corn on the Cob
Adds sweetness and texture contrast to the meal.
Classic Caesar Salad
The tangy dressing and crunchy croutons are a refreshing sidekick to this rich main.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
If you’re going all-in on comfort, this extra cheesy side won’t disappoint.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Their natural sweetness plays well with the savory chicken and creamy sauce.
Fresh Dinner Rolls
Soft, warm rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover cheddar sauce on the plate.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you’re a fan of this Crispy Cheddar Chicken, you’ll definitely want to try these other mouthwatering chicken recipes:
- Honey Garlic Chicken Bites for a sweet and savory twist.
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
- Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken that’s just as crispy and packed with bold flavors.
- Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake for a one-pan comfort dish.
- Buffalo Ranch Chicken Casserole if you’re craving a spicy, creamy bake.
These dishes bring variety and flavor to your weeknight meals. You can explore more of these family-friendly recipes right here at SavorQueen.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe a splash of hot sauce or a different cheese blend? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.
