Crispy Cheddar Chicken – Golden, Crunchy, and Comforting

Crispy Cheddar Chicken is the kind of dinner that turns a simple night at home into something special. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crunchy cheddar and breadcrumb crust, then baked until perfectly golden. Each bite delivers juicy chicken wrapped in cheesy, crispy goodness—comfort food at its finest. It’s quick to prepare, family-friendly, and sure to become a regular favorite at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside: The perfect texture combination.
Cheesy Flavor Boost: Sharp cheddar adds a savory punch.
Oven-Baked Goodness: Crispy without the need for deep frying.
Family Favorite: Comfort food that kids and adults both love.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4–6 pieces)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 sleeve buttery crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed into crumbs
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp butter, melted (for drizzling)
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the Coating
In one bowl, place beaten eggs. In another bowl, mix cracker crumbs, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast in the egg wash, then press into the cheddar crumb mixture until fully coated. Place coated chicken into the prepared baking dish.

4. Add Butter Drizzle
Drizzle melted butter over the tops to help crisp the coating.

5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C) and coating is golden brown.

6. Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or chives if desired

Nutritional Information

Calories: 310
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 18g
Protein: 28g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

• Shred Cheese Fresh: Freshly shredded cheddar melts and crisps better than pre-shredded.
• Use Chicken Tenders: For a kid-friendly, finger-food version.
• Go Extra Crispy: For more crunch, lightly broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of baking.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic sauce for extra flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

The buttery cracker crumbs paired with sharp cheddar create a crust that’s both crunchy and cheesy, while the chicken stays tender and juicy inside. Baking instead of frying keeps things simple while still delivering that crave-worthy crispy coating.

Crispy Cheddar Chicken is the ultimate comfort food dinner—crispy, cheesy, and hearty enough to please the whole family. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together easily for weeknights. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete, comforting meal.