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Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 105 reviews
  • Author: Ella
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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Find it online: https://delishwithella.com/crispy-cheddar-chicken-recipe/