Cheez-It Chicken
Cheez-It Chicken is a crispy, cheesy baked dish with tender chicken tenders topped with sour cream and crushed Cheez-Its, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill a casserole dish with boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders, and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread sour cream evenly over the chicken tenders.
- Sprinkle crushed Cheez-Its crackers over the sour cream.
- Pour 1/2 cup melted butter over the crushed Cheez-Its.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken tenders in a mixture of lemon juice and garlic before applying the sour cream. If you don't have Cheez-Its on hand, you can substitute with any cheese-flavored crackers or even crushed cornflakes for a different texture. Ensure the butter is evenly distributed to achieve a perfectly crisp topping.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheez-It Chicken pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the creamy sauce. For a fun twist, try it with a side of Louisiana Crabmeat Au Gratin(Great Dip!) to complement the cheesy flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is crispy again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheez-It Chicken contains roughly 405 calories, with 10g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2119mg per serving (92% 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 skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken tenders, but be aware that the skin may not get as crispy as the cracker topping. If using skin-on, adjust the baking time as needed to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly.
What can I do if I don't like sour cream?
If you're not a fan of sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor, or use cream cheese softened with a little milk to achieve a creamy texture. Both options will work well in this recipe.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning before baking. Additionally, mixing some hot sauce into the sour cream will give it a nice kick while still keeping the dish creamy.
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).