Crispy Cheesy Chicken

This Crispy Cheesy Chicken is juicy on the inside with a golden, crunchy cracker crust and a cheesy layer that melts perfectly while baking. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. The optional creamy sauce adds a comforting, rich finish.

Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Special Equipment: deep fryer or air fryer

Ingredients

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness

• 2 cups shredded cheese (any good melting cheese—cheddar, mozzarella, or Colby Jack)

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 2 large eggs

• 2 Tbsp milk

• 2 Tbsp butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Set up breading stations:

   Bowl 1: Whisk eggs and milk.

   Bowl 2: Place shredded cheese.

   Bowl 3: Combine crushed crackers with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.

4. Coat each chicken piece: Dip in egg mixture. Press into shredded cheese. Coat thoroughly with cracker mixture, pressing crumbs onto surface.

5. Arrange coated chicken in the prepared dish.

6. Drizzle melted butter over the top for crispness and color.

7. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

8. (Optional) In a small saucepan, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter. Heat over medium, stirring until smooth and warm.

9. To serve, spoon sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped parsley.