Dinner

Crispy Cheddar Chicken Recipe

BySarah Summers November 7, 2025November 7, 2025

Introduction

Crispy Cheddar Chicken is a deliciously cheesy and crunchy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. With a buttery Ritz cracker crust and melted sharp cheddar inside, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

The dish shows two pieces of golden brown fried chicken on a white plate, each coated with a crispy, crumbly crust. Both pieces are topped with a smooth, creamy white gravy sprinkled lightly with small green herbs. The crispy texture of the chicken contrasts with the soft texture of the gravy, which spreads across the middle of each piece. The plate sits on a green and striped cloth, while the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Crush about 30 Ritz crackers inside a zip-top bag using a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs. In a shallow dish, combine the cracker crumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour the milk into a separate shallow dish.
Step 2: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost through so it opens like a book. Pound to an even ¼ to ½ inch thickness if needed. Season lightly with salt and pepper on all sides.
Step 3: Place shredded cheddar cheese on one half of each butterflied breast, then fold the other half over the cheese to close. Use toothpicks to secure if necessary.
Step 4: Dip each stuffed chicken piece into the milk, allowing excess to drip off. Press 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. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 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 toothpicks. For extra crispiness, place under the broiler for 1 minute just before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crumb mixture.
Use smoked cheddar for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Swap Ritz crackers for panko breadcrumbs for a lighter crunch.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or a toaster oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

A white plate holds two pieces of golden-brown crispy fried chicken topped with a thick, creamy white gravy that covers more than half of each piece, sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. The chicken has a crunchy texture with some visible orange seasoning, and the gravy looks smooth and rich, pooling slightly on the plate beneath. The plate rests on a green and white striped textured cloth, with a white marbled surface beneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. Just be sure to coat with crumbs and cook fresh for the best texture.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

You can sear the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer the chicken to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven.

Sarah Summers