Description
Crispy cheddar chicken brings together golden, crackling breading and melted cheese in a mouthwatering melody of comfort. Savory layers of seasoned chicken create a delightful main course that satisfies with each perfectly crisp bite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheeses:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Coating and Seasonings:
- 1 cup (120 grams) crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
Cooking Spray:
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare your culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 400°F, ensuring a perfectly crisp exterior for the chicken. Protect your baking surface with a light coating of cooking spray or parchment paper.
- Craft a textural coating by combining crushed crackers with finely grated Parmesan, introducing aromatic notes of garlic and onion powders. Enhance the mixture with a sprinkle of paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper for depth of flavor.
- Create a binding liquid by whisking eggs and milk together in a separate vessel, forming a smooth, cohesive mixture that will help the coating adhere to the chicken.
- Transform each chicken breast into a crispy delight by first immersing it completely in the egg mixture, ensuring total coverage. Immediately transfer the moistened chicken to the cracker-cheese mixture, pressing firmly to create an even, robust coating that will crisp beautifully.
- Arrange the elegantly coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking surface, leaving sufficient space between each piece. Mist the tops lightly with cooking spray to promote an additional layer of golden crispiness.
- Allow the chicken to bake for 25–30 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown exterior and monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches the safe 165°F mark. The coating should transform into a delightfully crunchy shell that encases the tender meat.
- Present the chicken immediately, accompanied by your preferred dipping sauce or complementary side dish, celebrating the perfect marriage of crispy exterior and succulent interior.
Notes
- Cracker Selection Matters: Use butter crackers like Ritz for maximum flavor and extra crunchiness in the coating.
- Cheese Swap Options: Experiment with different hard cheeses like Gruyère or Asiago for unique flavor profiles.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
- Moisture Preservation: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to help retain juiciness and prevent dry meat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg