Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Tender chicken breasts stuffed with sharp cheddar and coated in a crunchy Ritz cracker crust make every bite deliciously memorable.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Butter or oil, for searing
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place about 30 Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin. Transfer crumbs to a shallow dish and mix in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second shallow dish, pour the milk.
- Step 2: Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing horizontally almost all the way through each one so it opens like a book. If needed, gently pound the chicken to an even ¼ to ½ inch thickness. Season all sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Spread shredded cheddar cheese over one half of each butterflied chicken breast. Fold the other half over to enclose the cheese. Use toothpicks to secure the edges if necessary.
- Step 4: Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the milk, allowing excess to drip off, then press firmly into the seasoned cracker crumbs, coating all sides well.
- Step 5: Heat a teaspoon of butter or oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 7: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 4-5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving. For an extra crispy finish, place the chicken under the broiler for one minute just before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Tips & Variations
- Use different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique flavor twist.
- To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overbaking and use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- For more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cracker mixture.
- If you don’t have Ritz crackers, use panko breadcrumbs seasoned with a bit of butter for crispiness.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can soften the crust.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed and coated chicken breasts and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. Just cover well and bake as directed when ready.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular pan, then transfer to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven.
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Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe features juicy, butterflied chicken breasts stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese and coated with a flavorful Ritz cracker crumb crust. The chicken is first pan-seared for a golden crisp, then baked to perfection, offering a delightful combination of cheesy goodness and crunchy texture in every bite. Perfect for an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Cheese and Crust
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted + 1 tsp butter or oil for searing
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Create Your Prep Station: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place about 30 Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them finely using a rolling pin. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow dish and mix in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, pour the ½ cup of milk.
- Prepare and Fill the Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost all the way through, then open it like a book. Pound the chicken with a meat mallet to even thickness (¼ to ½ inch). Season with salt and pepper. Spread shredded cheddar cheese over one half of the chicken breast, then fold the other half over to enclose the cheese. Secure with toothpicks if the pocket doesn’t stay closed.
- Dip and Dredge: Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the milk, allowing excess to drip off, and then firmly press into the seasoned cracker crumbs, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Pan-Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 teaspoon of butter or oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the coated chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown to form a crispy crust.
- Bake to Finish Cooking: Immediately transfer the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Let it rest for 4-5 minutes to retain juiciness. Remove toothpicks and garnish with chopped parsley. For an extra-crisp crust, optionally place under the broiler for one minute before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat mallet gently to avoid tearing the chicken.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety.
- To make the crust extra crispy, the optional broil step is highly recommended.
- To avoid mess, line your baking tray or skillet with foil if desired.
- This recipe can be doubled or tripled, but be sure to cook chicken in batches if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crispy chicken, cheddar stuffed chicken, baked chicken, Ritz cracker chicken, cheesy chicken recipe
