Cheez It Chicken Recipe That’s Crispy and Delicious

Looking for a fun and flavorful twist on classic chicken dishes? Our Cheez It Chicken recipe is exactly what you need!

This crispy, cheesy delight combines the savory crunch of Cheez It crackers with juicy, tender chicken breasts, creating a mouthwatering meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is simple, quick, and packed with irresistible flavor.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate a nostalgic snack into a wholesome, protein-packed dish.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this Cheez It Chicken is sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation. The buttery, cheesy crust adds a delightful texture that perfectly complements the moist chicken inside.

Ready to impress your guests or just treat yourself? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it uses a unique breading made from crushed Cheez It crackers, providing a cheesy, salty crunch that’s much more exciting than traditional breadcrumbs.

The chicken remains incredibly juicy on the inside thanks to a simple but effective seasoning and coating method.

Another reason to love this dish is how quick and easy it is to prepare. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a gourmet-style meal ready in under 40 minutes.

It’s also customizable — feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to suit your taste.

Lastly, this recipe appeals to all ages, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. The Cheez It crust adds a nostalgic twist that both kids and adults will enjoy, making mealtime a breeze and a joy!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 cups Cheez It crackers, finely crushed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Cooking spray or oil for greasing the pan

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls (at least two)
• Food processor or plastic bag and rolling pin (for crushing Cheez Its)
• Wire rack (optional, for crispier chicken)
• Whisk or fork
• Meat mallet or rolling pin (for pounding chicken breasts)
• Cooking thermometer (optional, to check doneness)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease your baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Cheez It crust: Using a food processor, pulse the Cheez It crackers until they become fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
3. In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed Cheez Its, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until fully combined.
5. Prepare the chicken: If your chicken breasts are thick, place each between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This helps them cook evenly.
6. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
7. Next, press the chicken into the Cheez It mixture, ensuring a thick, even crust covers both sides.
8. Place the coated chicken breasts on the baking sheet. For extra crispiness, place a wire rack on the sheet and arrange the chicken on top to allow air circulation.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices and keeps the meat tender.

Tips & Variations

For an even cheesier crust, try mixing shredded sharp cheddar with the crushed Cheez Its!

• To add more flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk or your favorite seasoning blend for 30 minutes before breading.
• Try swapping out the Cheez It crackers for other flavored varieties like White Cheddar or Hot & Spicy for a unique twist.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers or substitute with crushed pork rinds.
• If you prefer pan-frying, cook the coated chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a few tablespoons of oil until golden and cooked through.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the crust mixture to brighten the flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Cheez It Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a balanced meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.

Roasted potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes also complement the crispy, cheesy crust beautifully.

If you want to keep things light, a tangy coleslaw or simple cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch. For a heartier option, serve with buttery pasta or creamy risotto.

Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top to brighten the flavors!

Conclusion

Our Cheez It Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to elevate your dinner game with minimal fuss. The unique, crispy crust made from Cheez It crackers adds a burst of cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch that you won’t find in your typical breaded chicken.

It’s a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family meals, weeknight dinners, or even special occasions.

Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it’s also versatile enough to customize with your favorite spices or cooking methods. Whether baked or pan-fried, the result is always juicy, flavorful chicken with an addictive crust.

Give this recipe a try and watch it become a new staple in your kitchen!

Hungry for more delicious chicken recipes? Check out these favorites:

• Crispy Parmesan Chicken
• Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
• Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

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