Cheesy Baked Chicken
A flavorful baked chicken dish featuring crunchy crumbs and cheesy Parmesan, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with its savory, crispy coating and rich butter flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Roll chicken pieces in melted butter.
- Then roll the coated chicken in a mixture of bread crumbs, Ritz cracker crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the chicken at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or Italian herbs to the crumb mixture. If you don’t have Ritz crackers, crushed saltines work well as a substitute. To make this dish even richer, you can mix in some shredded cheddar cheese with the Parmesan. For a lighter option, try using olive oil instead of butter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cheesy baked chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Mandarin Orange Gelatin Ice Cream Salad for a refreshing dessert. Consider adding some rice or mashed potatoes to soak up any juices from the chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheesy baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This will help maintain the crispy texture of the coating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Baked Chicken contains roughly 369 calories, with 8g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken pieces, but keep in mind that the skin helps retain moisture and adds flavor. If using skinless chicken, consider marinating it briefly in some seasoned buttermilk before coating to enhance tenderness.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the crumb mixture. Alternatively, you could serve the chicken with a spicy dipping sauce or hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a kick.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can coat the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight before baking. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).