Description
Crispy cheddar chicken elevates classic poultry with a golden, cheesy crust that delights dinner guests. Juicy chicken breasts coated in sharp cheddar and crunchy breadcrumbs promise a meal you’ll savor with pure comfort and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, halved if large)
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup sour cream (or buttermilk)
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed, approximately 1.5 cups)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz or 298 g)
- 3 tbsps butter (melted, for drizzling)
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsps milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to a scorching 400F (200C), prepping the culinary stage for a crispy chicken transformation.
- Coating Creation: Whisk sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish until a harmonious blend emerges, creating a flavor-packed foundation.
- Chicken Transformation: Lavishly coat each chicken breast in the creamy seasoned mixture, ensuring complete coverage with a smooth, even layer that promises exceptional taste.
- Crunch Armor: Meticulously press crushed crackers or breadcrumbs onto the sour cream-drenched chicken, crafting a golden, crispy exterior that will crackle with each bite.
- Baking Ritual: Arrange the dressed chicken pieces on a lightly greased baking sheet, positioning them to maximize heat circulation and ensure uniform browning throughout the cooking process.
- Culinary Finale: Roast in the preheated oven until the chicken develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust and reaches a safe internal temperature, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Notes
- Maintain Chicken Moisture: Pat chicken breasts dry before coating to help seasoning adhere better and prevent sogginess, ensuring a crisp exterior.
- Cracker Coating Crunch: Use sturdy crackers like Ritz for maximum crispiness, crushing them finely for an even, golden-brown crust that adds delightful texture.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally, guaranteeing safe consumption without overcooking and drying out the meat.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives or almond flour for a low-carb version, making the recipe adaptable for various dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg