Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a delightful twist on classic breaded chicken, featuring a flavorful cheddar cheese filling and a crunchy Ritz cracker crust. This recipe delivers a juicy interior with a perfectly crisp exterior, making it a satisfying meal for any night of the week.
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
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Crush about 30 Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin until they become fine crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a shallow dish and mix in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow dish, pour the milk.
- Step 2: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost all the way through, then open it like a book. Pound the chicken to an even thickness of ¼ to ½ inch if needed. Season all surfaces with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Place a portion of shredded cheddar cheese on one half of each butterflied chicken breast. Fold the top half over the cheese to enclose it, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
- Step 4: Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the milk, allowing excess to drip off. Then press it firmly into the seasoned cracker crumbs, coating all sides thoroughly.
- 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 the chicken for 12-15 minutes. The chicken is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C).
- Step 7: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 4-5 minutes before slicing. Remove any toothpicks and garnish with chopped parsley. For extra crispiness, place the chicken under the broiler for one minute before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers for a lighter, airier crust.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cracker mixture for a spicy kick.
- Substitute gouda or mozzarella cheese to change the flavor profile.
- Ensure the chicken is evenly pounded to promote even cooking and prevent tearing.
- Remove toothpicks carefully before serving to avoid any accidents.
Storage
Store leftover crispy cheddar chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy coating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows flavors to meld and can make dinnertime quicker.
What can I serve with crispy cheddar chicken?
This dish pairs well with simple sides like steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the cheese and crispy coating.
Print
Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a deliciously golden and crunchy stuffed chicken dish featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts filled with sharp cheddar cheese, coated in a seasoned Ritz cracker crumb crust, and finished with a perfect combination of pan-searing and oven baking for a juicy, flavorful result.
Ingredients
Crust and Coating
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (plus 1 tsp for searing)
Chicken Filling
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Crumbs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place about 30 Ritz crackers into a zip-top bag and crush them finely using a rolling pin. Transfer the crushed crackers into a shallow dish and mix in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly combined. Set aside a separate shallow dish with ½ cup of milk for dipping.
- Prepare Chicken Breasts: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally nearly all the way through so it opens like a book. Pound the breasts gently with a meat mallet to an even thickness between ¼ and ½ inch. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Stuff Chicken: Lay shredded sharp cheddar cheese on one half of each butterflied breast. Fold the other half over to enclose the cheese, creating a pocket. Secure the edges with toothpicks if needed to keep the cheese inside during cooking.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the milk, allowing excess to drip off, then press firmly into the seasoned cracker crumbs to coat thoroughly on all sides.
- Pan-Sear 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 on each side until golden brown, forming a crispy crust.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 12-15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C).
- 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 before serving. For extra crispiness, briefly place the chicken under the broiler for one minute just before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy.
Notes
- Be sure not to overstuff with cheese to prevent leakage during cooking.
- Using a meat mallet helps ensure even cooking by flattening the chicken breasts uniformly.
- For a variation, you can add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cracker coating for extra flavor.
- Make sure to remove toothpicks before serving to avoid injury.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for easy transfer from stovetop to oven without transferring food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crispy Cheddar Chicken, stuffed chicken breast, baked chicken, Ritz cracker crust, cheddar cheese chicken
