Description
Crispy Cheddar Chicken (Baked)
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sour cream for dipping
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Combine crushed tortilla chips, cheddar, and Parmesan.
Coat chicken with sour cream, then press into the chip mixture.
Bake for 35 minutes until golden brown.
#CrunchyCheddarBites
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. 2. Place tortilla chips in a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin. Transfer to a shallow bowl. 3. Add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl with the chips and mix thoroughly. 4. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks. 5. Using a pastry brush or your hands, coat each chicken breast evenly with a thin layer of sour cream. 6. Press each sour cream-coated chicken breast firmly into the chip-cheese mixture, turning to coat all sides. For extra crunch, press the coating on a second time. 7. Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the coating is deeply golden and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crispy chicken breasts hot from the oven. They pair perfectly with a dollop of extra sour cream or a side of cool ranch dressing for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh garden salad, cilantro-lime rice, roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or a simple corn and black bean salsa. The leftovers make an excellent filling for wraps or sandwiches the next day.
How-to Summary
To make Crispy Cheddar Chicken, simply coat chicken breasts in sour cream, then press them into a mixture of crushed tortilla chips, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until golden and cooked through. Serve with your favorite sides and extra sour cream for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well. Adjust baking time as needed, as thighs may cook slightly faster or slower depending on size.
What can I use instead of tortilla chips? Crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed pork rinds (for a low-carb option) make excellent substitutes for the tortilla chips.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off? The key is ensuring the chicken is dry before applying the sour cream, and pressing the coating on very firmly. Letting the coated chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before baking can also help it adhere.
Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken up to the coating stage, place it on the baking sheet, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. This can help the coating set.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or a conventional oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. The microwave will make the coating soft.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using chicken that is too wet; always pat it dry first. Do not skip pressing the coating firmly—a gentle dredge won’t stick. Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to guarantee immediate crisping. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this will steam the chicken instead of baking it crispy. Finally, do not cover the chicken while baking, as this traps moisture.
Conclusion
This Crispy Cheddar Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers maximum flavor and crunch with minimal effort. The combination of tangy sour cream, savory cheeses, and crunchy tortilla chips creates a perfect texture contrast to the juicy baked chicken. It’s a versatile main dish that’s both family-friendly and impressive enough for guests. Give this simple recipe a try for a delicious and satisfying meal any night of the week.
