crunchy cheddar chicken

Chicken has never really been my thing.  I don't hate it but, if it is on a menu I go right over it.  My mom made this wonderful discovery one night when Brad and I were out.  My kids both love rotisserie chicken.  I mean devour it.  Then Brad made a follow on discovery that if you toss it in barbecue sauce the kids are in heaven.  I would have never made these discoveries because I skip over chicken and don't like barbecue sauce.  Since this love of chicken has been revealed I find myself seeking out family friendly chicken recipes.  These are recipes that I would have skipped right over a few months ago.  As I have said Brad eats like a child as well so, when I stumbled upon this combination I knew it was a meal both Brad and the kids would like.  I nailed it.  Every bit of chicken was gone (I even enjoyed it) and Brad must have said 2 or 3 times how good it was.  Is this gourmet no but, a super simple  meal that puts smiles on my kids faces and fills their tummies is exactly what I need in my working mom life right now.

crunchy cheddar chicken

adapted: real simple


16 buttery crackers (such as Ritz or social snackers), crushed ( 4 crackers per chicken breast)
4 ounces cheddar cheese grated (1 oz per chicken breast)
1 clove garlic; minced
kosher salt and black pepper
4 boneless, skinless organic chicken breasts
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (1 tablespoon per chicken breast)
 

Heat oven to 350° F. 

Melt butter with the pressed/minced garlic.  Mix to combine.

In a bowl, combine the crackers, cheese, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Dip the chicken in the garlic butter, then in the cracker mixture, pressing gently to help the crackers adhere. Place the chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Mound any remaining cracker mixture on the chicken and drizzle with any remaining butter. 

Bake until the chicken is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes.