Crispy Cheddar Chicken

– 4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups finely crushed Ritz crackers
– 1/2 cup fresh grated sharp cheddar cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers, grated cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. Dip each chicken breast first into the milk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, and then coat it evenly in the cracker mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

5. Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.

6. Once all the chicken is arranged in the dish, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the chicken.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F) and the exterior is golden and crispy.

8. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

– For an even sharper cheese flavor, you can include a mix of cheddar and Parmesan in the cracker coating.
– To suit picky eaters or to add variety, you can also mix some dried herbs such as thyme or oregano into the cracker mixture.
– If you’re looking for a bit of a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cracker mix.
– This recipe can easily be adjusted for smaller or larger groups by halving or doubling the ingredients.
– Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Let this cozy Crispy Cheddar Chicken be the heartwarming center of your next family meal!