Crispy Cheddar Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
This is the kind of dinner that makes people hover near the oven like it’s a movie premiere. The moment that cheddar-and-cracker coating starts to toast, your kitchen fills with that buttery, savory smell that feels instantly comforting — like something you grew up loving, but even better because you made it yourself.
Crispy Cheddar Chicken is all about that crunch. You get a golden, cheesy crust that crackles a little when you cut into it, and underneath? Juicy, tender chicken that stays perfectly moist. Then comes the creamy garlic sauce — warm, silky, and just rich enough to make every bite feel like a treat. It’s the ultimate “cozy plate” meal, especially with mashed potatoes or simple veggies on the side.
If you’re craving something comforting, a little nostalgic, and totally crowd-pleasing… this one delivers.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or buttery crackers)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for extra richness)
Garnish
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the chicken lifts easily and cleanup stays simple.
2. Set up your breading stations
Grab three shallow bowls (or plates):
Bowl 1: flour
Bowl 2: beaten eggs
Bowl 3: shredded cheddar mixed with crushed crackers
This is the “assembly line” that gives you that amazing crust.
3. Season the chicken
Sprinkle the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides. Nothing fancy — just enough to wake up the flavor.
4. Coat the chicken
One piece at a time:
Dredge the chicken in flour (shake off extra)
Dip it into the egg
Press it firmly into the cheddar-cracker mixture
Really press so the coating sticks. The thicker the crust, the crunchier the payoff.
5. Bake until golden
Place the coated chicken in the prepared dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the outside is deeply golden and the inside reaches 165°F (74°C).
You’ll know it’s close when the top looks toasted and the edges smell buttery and cheesy.
6. Make the creamy garlic sauce
While the chicken bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes — just until it turns smooth and slightly golden.
Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Keep whisking as it warms so it stays silky. Let it simmer for 4–5 minutes, until thickened.
Stir in the garlic powder, black pepper, and shredded cheddar. Keep stirring until the sauce melts into something smooth, creamy, and spoonable.
7. Serve it up
Plate the crispy chicken, then spoon the warm creamy garlic sauce right over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh little pop of color.
Presentation
For a cozy, “restaurant-style” plate, serve the chicken over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles so the sauce has somewhere to go. A little drizzle of sauce on the plate before the chicken goes down makes it look instantly more special.
Then add something green on the side — steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad — just to balance the richness. Finish with parsley and maybe a tiny extra pinch of cheddar if you’re feeling bold. (No one will complain.)
Conclusion
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is comfort food at its absolute best — crunchy, cheesy, tender, and totally satisfying. It’s the kind of dinner that makes the table feel warm and happy, even on a regular weeknight.
If you’re in the mood for something cozy and crowd-pleasing, put this on your “make it soon” list. And don’t be surprised if someone asks for it again the next week.