Lorenzo Devereaux
Golden, crunchy, and coated with a rich layer of cheddar cheese—this Crispy Cheddar Chicken is the perfect dinner for anyone craving comfort food. The chicken is juicy inside with a crispy, flavorful crust that melts in your mouth with every bite. The creamy cheese sauce drizzled on top takes it from simple to sensational.
Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner or impressing guests, it’s a recipe that guarantees compliments. It pairs well with so many side dishes, making it versatile for weeknights or weekend gatherings.
What Makes Crispy Cheddar Chicken So Good?
The secret lies in its perfect combination of textures. The crunchy coating, made with crushed crackers and shredded cheddar, creates an irresistible crust that locks in the chicken’s natural juices. Add the creamy sauce, and you have a dish that’s indulgent yet easy to make.
Ingredients for the Crispy Cheddar Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless, these provide a tender base for the crispy coating.
- Cheddar Cheese – Freshly shredded sharp cheddar gives a rich, bold flavor that melts beautifully.
- Crushed Crackers – Adds the crispy, golden-brown crust everyone loves.
- Milk – Helps the coating stick to the chicken and keeps it moist.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – Forms the creamy sauce that complements the crispy coating.
- Sour Cream – Adds tanginess and creaminess to the sauce.
- Butter – Gives the chicken extra flavor and helps crisp up the coating while baking.
How To Make the Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and keeps the crust crispy.
Step 2: Set Up a Breading Station
Prepare three bowls: one with milk, one with shredded cheddar cheese, and one with crushed crackers. Dip each chicken breast first in the milk, then coat it with cheese, and finally press it into the cracker crumbs.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake
Place the coated chicken in a greased baking dish. Drizzle melted butter over the top to help with browning. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the crust is golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
While the chicken bakes, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a splash of milk in a saucepan. Heat on low until warm and creamy.
Step 5: Serve with Sauce
Once baked, drizzle the warm creamy sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
Serving and Storing Crispy Cheddar Chicken
This chicken is best served fresh out of the oven when the crust is at its crunchiest. Pair it with the creamy sauce immediately after baking for maximum flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F to help maintain the crispiness.
What to Serve With Crispy Cheddar Chicken?
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy and buttery potatoes balance the crunchy chicken perfectly.
Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
Adds a healthy and savory crunch to complement the cheesy crust.
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A comforting soup that mirrors the cheesy flavors of the chicken.
Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli
A crispy and cheesy side that enhances the overall flavor.
Buttery Stuffed Artichokes
For a touch of elegance and extra flavor.
Sweet Honey Glazed Carrots
The sweetness balances the savory richness of the chicken.
Easy Homemade Naan Bread
Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Southern Crockpot Green Beans
A classic Southern side that pairs well with the cheesy crust.
Want More Cheesy Chicken Ideas?
If you love this Crispy Cheddar Chicken, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy favorites:
• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken – A Crispy, Cheesy Delight
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole – Comforting Layers of Cheese and Chicken
• Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti – Creamy and Satisfying
• Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Lasagna – A Cheesy Twist on a Classic
• White Cheddar Chicken Pasta – Rich, Creamy, and Flavorful
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this 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 add extra spices or keep it classic? Did you drizzle extra sauce or serve it on the side?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.
Explore beautifully curated comfort-food recipes on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dish!
Crispy Cheddar Chicken
Equipment
- Baking dish
- saucepan
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 cup milk
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Prepare three bowls: one with milk, one with shredded cheddar, and one with crushed crackers. Dip each chicken breast in milk, coat with cheddar, then press into cracker crumbs.
- Place coated chicken in a greased baking dish. Drizzle melted butter over the top. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes until chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden.
- In a saucepan, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a splash of milk. Heat on low until warm and creamy.
- Drizzle sauce over the chicken or serve on the side for dipping.