Make this easy, family-friendly chicken dinner featuring tender meat covered in a crispy, cheesy cheddar and cracker crust. It bakes to golden perfection.
Author:maddie-thompson
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for binding)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking dish.
In a shallow dish, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well.
In a separate small bowl, melt the butter. If you want extra flavor and binding, stir the Dijon mustard into the melted butter.
Dip each chicken breast first into the melted butter mixture, coating both sides lightly.
Next, press the buttered chicken firmly into the cracker and cheese mixture, making sure to cover all sides with a thick, even layer.
Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra crispy coating, you can lightly spray the tops of the crusted chicken with cooking spray before baking.
If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness (about 3/4 inch) so they cook uniformly.
This dish pairs well with simple sides like steamed green beans or mashed potatoes for a complete comfort food meal.