Description
Cheesy Crispy Cheddar Chicken delivers a perfect blend of crunchy coating and tender meat. Sharp cheddar and herbed breadcrumbs create a golden, irresistible dinner you’ll savor with comfort and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved if large)
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed, about 1 ½ cups)
- 3 tbsps butter (melted, for drizzling)
- 2 tbsps milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Coating Creation: Whisk sour cream with garlic and onion powders, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish to develop a rich, aromatic base.
- Crumb Preparation: Pulverize Ritz crackers into fine crumbs, blending with sharp cheddar cheese and smoky paprika to create a textured, flavorful crust mixture.
- Chicken Dredging: Immerse each chicken breast completely in the sour cream mixture, then meticulously coat with the cracker-cheese blend, pressing firmly to ensure a uniform, crisp exterior.
- Baking Preparation: Generously grease a baking dish and arrange the crusted chicken pieces, allowing optimal heat distribution. Drizzle melted butter over the top to promote golden browning.
- Oven Transformation: Roast in a preheated oven at 400F (200C) for 25-30 minutes, cooking until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F and develops a golden, crispy crust.
- Sauce Enhancement: While chicken bakes, create a luxurious sauce by gently warming cream of chicken soup with sour cream and milk, stirring until smooth and heated through.
- Serving Finale: Allow chicken to rest briefly, then plate and optionally drizzle with the creamy sauce, presenting a delectable, crisp-coated chicken dish with a velvety finish.
Notes
- Optimize Coating Technique: Ensure chicken is fully and evenly coated with sour cream mixture for maximum flavor absorption and crispy texture.
- Cracker Crumb Consistency: Crush Ritz crackers to a fine, uniform texture to guarantee an even, crunchy exterior that adheres perfectly to the chicken.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165F, preventing dryness while ensuring food safety.
- Sauce Modification Options: Swap cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt or lighter alternatives for a healthier version, maintaining the creamy richness while reducing calories.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg