We’ve always been fans of creative twists on comfort food, and our Chicken With Cheez Its Recipe delivers just that. Imagine tender chicken coated in the irresistible crunch of cheesy crackers for a dish that’s fun easy and full of flavor. It’s a playful nod to everyday snacks turned gourmet perfect for family dinners or game nights.
This recipe draws from our love of simple innovative cooking blending classic poultry with bold cheese elements. You’ll find it’s quick to prepare yet packs a punch of taste that keeps everyone coming back for more. Let’s dive into why this has become a staple in our kitchen adventures.
Ingredients
In our Chicken with Cheez-Its recipe, we select high-quality ingredients that blend tender chicken with the irresistible crunch of cheesy crackers for a dish that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they’re used, with precise measurements and any necessary prep notes to ensure your cooking process is seamless and successful.
- Chicken breasts: 4 medium-sized (about 1.5 pounds total), boneless and skinless – pat dry for even coating and optimal browning.
- Cheez-Its: 2 cups, crushed into fine crumbs – we recommend pulsing in a food processor for that perfect crunchy texture that elevates the dish’s appeal.
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup – sifted to remove lumps, used as the first layer in our breading process for a smooth base.
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten until uniform – this helps the crumbs adhere, creating a golden, flavorful crust.
- Buttermilk: 1 cup – optional for marinating the chicken; if used, whisk in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for added zest.
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon – freshly measured for seasoning the flour mixture, enhancing the savory notes.
- Salt and black pepper: 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper – ground fresh and added to the flour for balanced flavor.
- Vegetable oil: ¼ cup – for frying or brushing if baking, ensuring a crispy finish without overpowering the cheese-forward taste.
This lineup keeps preparation straightforward, allowing us to focus on the vibrant flavors and textures that make our Chicken with Cheez-Its a standout favorite.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our delicious Chicken with Cheez-Its, we need a selection of essential tools and equipment that make the process efficient and enjoyable. These items help us achieve that perfect crunchy coating and tender chicken texture without any hassle. Drawing from our experience in the kitchen, we’ve compiled a list of what you’ll need, organized by the steps where they’re used for seamless workflow.
Preparation Tools
- Cutting board and sharp knife: We start with a sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife to trim and cut the boneless chicken breasts into even pieces. This ensures uniform cooking and makes coating easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key for our ingredients like flour and spices, so we rely on these to scoop and level everything precisely.
Mixing and Coating Essentials
- Large mixing bowls (at least 2): One for the flour mixture and another for the beaten eggs or buttermilk. We use these to create a smooth coating station, allowing us to dip and dredge the chicken effortlessly for that irresistible cheesy crunch.
- Whisk or fork: This tool helps us beat the eggs thoroughly, incorporating any garlic powder for added flavor depth.
Cooking and Serving Gear
- Frying pan or skillet (non-stick preferred): If we’re pan-frying, a 12-inch skillet works best to accommodate several pieces at once, promoting even browning and that golden, crispy exterior.
- Baking sheet with wire rack (if baking): For a healthier option, we recommend a rimmed baking sheet lined with a wire rack to allow air circulation, resulting in uniformly crisp Chicken with Cheez-Its.
- Tongs or slotted spoon: We use sturdy tongs to flip and remove the chicken from the pan or oven, preventing burns and maintaining the coating’s integrity.
- Paper towels or draining rack: Essential for draining excess oil after frying, ensuring our chicken stays light and not greasy.
By having these tools ready, we streamline the transition from ingredients to a mouthwatering meal that highlights the bold cheese flavors of Cheez-Its. Always opt for high-quality, durable items to enhance your cooking experience.
Instructions
We transform simple ingredients into our mouthwatering Chicken with Cheez-Its by following these straightforward steps, ensuring a crispy, cheesy coating that delights the senses with every bite. Let’s dive in and create a dish bursting with bold flavors and satisfying crunch.
Prep
First, we prepare our Chicken with Cheez-Its for coating. Start by trimming any excess fat from 4 medium-sized boneless chicken breasts using a sharp knife on a clean cutting board, then cut them into even strips or bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking. Measure out the dry ingredients: 1 cup of all-purpose flour in one bowl, 2 cups of crushed Cheez-Its in another for that irresistible cheesy texture, and beat 2 large eggs in a third bowl—adding 1/2 cup of buttermilk if you want extra tenderness, along with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for a subtle kick.
Next, season the chicken generously. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper evenly over the chicken pieces, rubbing it in gently to enhance the flavors. This step ensures the chicken absorbs the seasonings, promising a savory base that complements the crunchy Cheez-Its coating. Once prepped, set aside the bowls in your workspace for easy access, making the process smooth and efficient.
Coat the Chicken
We coat the chicken to build layers of flavor and crunch in our Chicken with Cheez-Its. Dip each chicken piece first into the bowl of flour, shaking off any excess to create a light base that helps the coating adhere. Then, submerge it in the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage so the next layer sticks perfectly and locks in moisture for juicy results.
Finally, press the chicken firmly into the crushed Cheez-Its, coating all sides thoroughly for that signature golden, cheesy exterior. We recommend using tongs for this to keep your hands clean and avoid mess. As you work, envision the irresistible aroma of melted cheese mingling with the chicken’s savory notes, resulting in a texture that’s shatteringly crisp yet tender inside.
Bake
To finish, we bake our coated Chicken with Cheez-Its for a healthier twist that still delivers maximum crunch. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with a wire rack for even air circulation, which helps achieve that perfect, non-greasy finish. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the rack without overcrowding, spacing them about 1 inch apart to promote crispiness.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs to ensure even browning. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer—the chicken should emerge with a vibrant, golden crust that releases an enticing cheesy scent, making it a hit for family meals or game nights.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our Chicken With Cheez-Its recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules. We can prepare components in advance to save time while preserving that irresistible crispy, cheesy crunch and tender chicken interior. Follow these steps to make ahead without compromising flavor or texture.
Preparing the Chicken in Advance
To get a head start, we begin by prepping the chicken up to the coating stage:
- Trim and season the chicken: Start with 4 medium-sized boneless chicken breasts. Trim any excess fat using a sharp knife on a cutting board, then season with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. This ensures even flavor distribution.
- Set up the coating station: In separate bowls, measure out 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 beaten eggs (optionally mixed with ½ cup buttermilk for extra tang), and 2 cups crushed Cheez-Its. Coat the chicken pieces by dipping first in flour, then eggs, and finally pressing into the Cheez-Its for that signature golden, crunchy exterior.
Storage Tips
After coating, we store the prepared chicken to maintain freshness:
- Refrigerate for short-term: Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring pieces are spaced at least 1 inch apart to prevent sticking. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This keeps the Cheez-Its coating intact and ready for baking.
- Freeze for longer storage: For extended make-ahead options, arrange the coated chicken on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Then, transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container. It can be stored for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 24 hours | Keep covered to avoid drying out the coating. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking for even results. |
Reheating and Cooking from Make-Ahead
When it’s time to enjoy, we simply finish cooking for a freshly baked, mouthwatering result:
- From the refrigerator: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Flip halfway through for uniform crispiness.
- From the freezer: Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours first. Then, bake as above, adding 5 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s fully heated through and achieves that perfectly golden finish.
By following these make-ahead steps, we ensure our Chicken With Cheez-Its remains a quick, deliciously cheesy option for any occasion.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing our Chicken with Cheez-Its recipe as it’s become a go-to for quick family fun. It’s a simple way to add bold flavors to your meals that everyone craves.
Try tweaking it with your favorite spices to make it your own and enjoy those crispy cheesy bites that keep us coming back for more. This dish proves comfort food can be both easy and exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken With Cheez-Its?
Chicken With Cheez-Its is a creative, flavorful recipe that coats tender chicken breasts in crushed cheesy crackers for a crunchy twist on comfort food. It’s perfect for family dinners or game nights, offering a quick and satisfying meal with bold cheese flavors that make it a fun favorite.
What ingredients are needed for Chicken With Cheez-Its?
You’ll need medium-sized boneless chicken breasts, crushed Cheez-Its, all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, optional buttermilk with garlic powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and vegetable oil. Precise measurements ensure easy preparation, focusing on high-quality ingredients for vibrant taste and texture.
What tools are required to make this recipe?
Essential tools include a cutting board and sharp knife for trimming chicken, measuring cups and spoons for ingredients, large mixing bowls and a whisk for coating, a non-stick frying pan or baking sheet with wire rack for cooking, tongs for handling, and paper towels for draining. These streamline the process for a hassle-free experience.
How do I prepare Chicken With Cheez-Its?
Start by trimming and seasoning the chicken. Dip pieces in flour, then beaten eggs, and press into crushed Cheez-Its for a crispy coating. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes on a wire rack, spacing pieces for even cooking. Check for doneness to achieve a golden, crunchy finish that’s simple and delicious.
Can I make Chicken With Cheez-Its ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken up to the coating stage in advance. Trim, season, and set up your coating station, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. This flexibility makes it ideal for busy schedules, ensuring the Cheez-Its coating stays intact for fresh results later.
How should I store and reheat Chicken With Cheez-Its?
Store coated, uncooked chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake refrigerated chicken at 400°F until hot, or thaw frozen chicken first and bake. For cooked leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness and flavor.