If you are craving a dish that perfectly combines crispy, cheesy goodness with tender, juicy chicken, look no further than this Cheez-It Chicken Recipe. Coated in a crunchy Cheez-It cracker crust and baked to golden perfection, this recipe offers a delightful twist on everyday chicken that’s both playful and incredibly satisfying. Each bite delivers flavorful layers—from the hint of honey mustard to the bold cheddar crunch—that make this dish a standout for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become one of your go-to comfort foods in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheez-It Chicken Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create tons of flavor and irresistible texture. Each component is essential, striking a perfect balance that transforms basic chicken tenderloins into a dreamy dish packed with cheesy, crispy delight.
- 1¼ lb chicken tenderloins: Choose fresh, plump chicken for tender, juicy bites.
- ¼ cup honey mustard dressing: Adds a subtle tangy sweetness that brightens the flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a glue to hold the crunchy coating firmly on the chicken.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour: Provides a base layer so the egg wash sticks beautifully.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory warmth into the flour seasoning.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1½ cups Cheez-It cheddar crackers: The star of the show, crushed to create a crispy, flavorful coating.
- Cooking spray: Helps achieve even browning and a perfectly crisp exterior without extra oil.
How to Make Cheez-It Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F and lining a baking pan with nonstick aluminum foil. Place a baking rack on top of the foil to allow heat to circulate beneath the chicken, which ensures a crispy crust all around. This setup is simple but crucial for the perfect crunch.
Step 2: Season and Set Up Your Dredging Stations
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; give it a good whisk to evenly distribute the seasoning. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and honey mustard dressing until smooth and well blended. These two steps prepare your chicken for the delicious Cheez-It coating.
Step 3: Crush the Cheez-It Crackers
Pop the Cheez-It cheddar crackers into a food processor and pulse until they’re finely crushed but still slightly textured. Pour the crumbs into another shallow bowl. This cheesy crust will be your chicken’s flavorful armor, sealing in moisture with every crunchy bite.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Take each chicken tenderloin and first dip it into the seasoned flour, coating it lightly. Then dip into the egg and honey mustard mixture to help the crumbs stick. Finally, press the chicken into the crushed Cheez-It crumbs until fully coated. Arrange the coated chicken on the prepared baking rack, and give them a quick spritz with cooking spray to encourage that irresistible golden finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes until it’s gloriously golden brown and crispy. To ensure safety and perfect juiciness, check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. When it’s done, your Cheez-It Chicken will be crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside—the kind of texture contrast that makes each bite a delight.
How to Serve Cheez-It Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a bright pop of color and freshness that beautifully balances the richness of the cheesy crust. A light squeeze of lemon over the top can also lift the flavors, adding a pleasing zesty note.
Side Dishes
This Cheez-It Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob complement the dish’s cheesy crunch perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the cooked chicken to serve on top of warm pasta tossed in garlic butter or use as the crispy star in a loaded wrap with fresh veggies and ranch dressing. It also shines on a party platter alongside dips like honey mustard or ranch for casual entertaining that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Cheez-It Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, the chicken stays moist while the crust holds onto some of its crispiness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that wonderful crispiness when reheating, place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and warm it in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use something other than Cheez-It crackers for this recipe?
While Cheez-It cheddar crackers offer a unique and delicious flavor, you can experiment with other cheese-flavored crackers or even crushed pretzels for a different twist. Just be sure they are finely crushed for an even coating.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
This specific recipe uses all-purpose flour and standard Cheez-It crackers, which contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free cheese crackers.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy inside?
Choosing chicken tenderloins, not overbaking, and checking for that internal temperature of 165°F helps keep the chicken juicy while achieving the crispy coating you want.
Can I make this recipe without a food processor?
Absolutely! You can place the Cheez-It crackers in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or heavy pan until finely ground. It may take a bit longer, but the result is just as delicious.
What if I don’t have honey mustard dressing?
You can easily substitute honey mustard with a mix of Dijon mustard and a touch of honey or maple syrup. This keeps the same balance of sweet and tangy notes that complement the cracker crust beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Cheez-It Chicken Recipe enough if you’re searching for an easy way to bring something fun and flavorful to the dinner table. The combination of crispy cheddar-coated chicken and subtle tang from the honey mustard creates an unforgettable dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try—you’ll be delightfully surprised how quickly this one becomes a household favorite!
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Cheez-It Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cheez-It Chicken is a crispy, flavorful baked chicken tenderloin recipe coated with crushed Cheez-It crackers and a honey mustard egg wash. This easy-to-make dish bakes quickly to golden perfection, combining crunchy cheddar-flavored crust with tender, juicy chicken inside. Ideal for a weeknight dinner that appeals to kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1¼ lb chicken tenderloins
- ¼ cup honey mustard dressing
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups Cheez-It cheddar crackers
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C). Line a baking pan with nonstick aluminum foil and place a baking rack on top. This setup helps the chicken cook evenly and stay crispy.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and honey mustard dressing until fully blended. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the chicken while helping the cracker coating stick.
- Crush Cheez-It Crackers: Place the Cheez-It cheddar crackers in a food processor and pulse until they become finely crushed crumbs. Alternatively, put crackers in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Transfer the crushed crackers to a separate shallow bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg and honey mustard mixture, then coat thoroughly with the crushed Cheez-It crackers. Arrange each coated chicken piece on the prepared baking rack-lined pan.
- Apply Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the coated chicken tenderloins with cooking spray. This will help achieve a golden and crispy crust during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Notes
- Using a baking rack allows hot air to circulate around the chicken for a crispier crust.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked but not dried out.
- You can substitute honey mustard dressing with regular mustard mixed with a tablespoon of honey for a homemade alternative.
- For an extra crunch, double coat the chicken by repeating the egg and cracker steps.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
