Description
This Crispy Cheesy Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of crushed Ritz crackers, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection with a buttery finish, it’s a delightful main course that combines crispiness and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 24 crackers)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Coating Mixture
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the chicken from sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Coating Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will form the crispy, cheesy crust on the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken Coating: In another bowl, spread out the sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. This will help the cheese-cracker mixture adhere to the chicken breasts.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the sour cream, coating it thoroughly. Then press it firmly into the cracker-cheese mixture to cover completely, ensuring an even crust on all sides.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle the melted butter over the top to enhance browning and flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy on the outside, and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices and improves texture.
- Optional Broil for Extra Crunch: For added crispiness, you can broil the chicken for the last 2 to 3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken breasts for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad.
Notes
- For an extra crunchy crust, broil the chicken for the last 2 to 3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fresh steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.
- You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat content slightly while maintaining moisture.
- Make sure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking. Pound them lightly if needed.
