Description
Crispy cheddar chicken elevates weeknight dinners with its golden, cheesy coating that promises pure comfort. Crackers crumble into a perfectly seasoned crust, sealing in succulent chicken while delivering irresistible crunch that beckons you to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved if large)
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Coating and Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup sour cream (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed, about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted, for drizzling)
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare a welcoming workspace by setting the oven temperature to a toasty 400F (200C), creating the perfect environment for culinary magic.
- Craft a luxurious coating blend in a wide, shallow vessel by whisking together tangy sour cream with aromatic garlic powder, zesty onion powder, mineral-rich salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
- Transform each chicken breast into a flavor-packed masterpiece by generously enrobing it in the creamy seasoned mixture, ensuring every crevice and surface receives an even, luxurious embrace.
- Gently press crushed crackers or breadcrumbs onto the sour cream-coated chicken, creating a crisp, golden armor that will deliver a satisfying crunch with each bite.
- Carefully transfer the prepared chicken pieces onto a lightly greased baking sheet, positioning them with precision to allow optimal heat circulation.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the culinary alchemy begin, allowing the chicken to roast until it achieves a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Once perfectly cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest briefly, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before serving.
Notes
- Enhance crispiness by using panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain the crispy coating.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like parmesan or monterey jack to create unique flavor profiles while keeping the signature crispy exterior.
- Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation, preventing the bottom of the chicken from becoming soggy and ensuring an all-around crisp finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg