Crispy Cheddar Chicken

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Golden, cheesy, and irresistibly crispy, this crispy cheddar chicken is everything you want in a comforting homemade dinner. Each bite is a perfect harmony of juicy chicken coated in a crunchy cheddar crust that bakes to a beautiful golden brown. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve at a casual dinner party.

One of the best parts of this dish is how quickly it comes together with ingredients you probably already have on hand. The cheddar brings a sharp, cheesy bite while the crispy coating keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. If you’re looking for a recipe that will wow your family and have everyone reaching for seconds, this is the one.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Cheddar Chicken

You’ll love how easy and satisfying this crispy cheddar chicken is to make. It’s perfect for busy nights but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The bold cheddar crust gives it a rich flavor and crunch, while the inside stays tender and juicy. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and pairs with just about any side you can think of.

Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheddar if you’re short on time, but freshly grated cheddar tends to melt and crisp up better in the oven. The added starches in pre-shredded cheese can slightly affect the texture, but it’s still delicious. Choose a sharp cheddar for the most flavor and best results.

Ingredients for the Crispy Cheddar Chicken

You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts as the base of this dish — their mild flavor lets the cheddar shine. Freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese brings that signature tangy and creamy bite to the crispy crust. Crushed Ritz crackers add the buttery crunch that makes this chicken irresistible. A couple of eggs are essential to help the coating stick to the chicken, and a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder round out the flavor beautifully.

How To Make the Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets, which helps them cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In one shallow dish, whisk the eggs. In a second dish, combine the grated cheddar with crushed crackers, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg wash, then press into the cheddar-cracker mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–35 minutes, or until the coating is golden and the chicken is cooked through. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store This Crispy Cheddar Chicken

This crispy cheddar chicken serves about 4 people generously, making it ideal for a family dinner. Serve it hot right out of the oven to enjoy that perfect crunch. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.

What to Serve With Crispy Cheddar Chicken?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the crunchy cheddar crust.

Steamed Broccoli

Bright green and full of flavor, steamed broccoli adds a fresh, healthy touch to the plate.

Roasted Asparagus

For a slightly fancier feel, roasted asparagus is the perfect vegetable side.

Classic Mac and Cheese

If you’re looking for extra indulgence, a side of creamy mac and cheese complements the cheddar chicken perfectly.

Fresh Garden Salad

Balance out the richness with a crisp garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.

Buttery Corn on the Cob

Sweet and buttery corn on the cob is a classic comfort food pairing.

Herbed Rice Pilaf

A fluffy, flavorful rice pilaf is another great accompaniment that soaks up all the delicious flavors.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this crispy cheddar chicken, here are more delicious recipes you’ll enjoy:

• Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for a lighter, herbaceous twist.
• No Peek Chicken Casserole for an easy, hands-off dinner.
• White Chicken Enchilada Casserole for a creamy, cheesy Mexican-inspired dish.
• Chicken Biscuit Casserole for comforting Southern flavors.
• Melted Mozzarella Ranch Chicken Bombs if you’re craving gooey, cheesy bites.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this crispy cheddar chicken recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for sharp or mild cheddar? Did you serve it with mashed potatoes or salad?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook better!

Explore beautifully curated chicken dinner ideas on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next family favorite!

Conclusion

This crispy cheddar chicken is a go-to dinner recipe for its ease, bold flavors, and family-friendly appeal. The cheesy crust and juicy chicken make it an instant favorite. Try it once and it’s bound to become a regular at your table.

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