Name: Five-Ingredient Chicken Comfort Crunch
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 packet ranch seasoning mix; 1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed

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I love how this Five-Ingredient Chicken Comfort Crunch turns the simplest ingredients into a cozy, satisfying dinner. I make this recipe on busy nights when I want something creamy, crunchy, and filling without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It always feels like comfort food with minimal effort, which is exactly what I look for after a long day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it uses only five basic ingredients that I usually already have at home. I like how the chicken stays tender and juicy under a creamy layer while the topping turns golden and crunchy in the oven. I also appreciate how quickly everything comes together, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or relaxed family meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish. I place the chicken evenly in the dish and season it lightly with salt if needed. In a bowl, I mix the sour cream with the ranch seasoning until smooth, then I spread this mixture over the chicken. I sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Finally, I add the crushed crackers, making sure they cover the entire surface. I bake everything uncovered for about 35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden and crunchy.

Servings And Timing

I usually get 4 servings from this recipe. Prep time takes me about 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 35 minutes, bringing the total time to approximately 45 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or Monterey Jack when I want a milder flavor. If I want extra crunch, I mix a little melted butter into the crushed crackers before adding them on top. I also like using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to keep the topping crispy. If I use the microwave, I reheat in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

I prefer using thawed chicken so it cooks evenly, but I make sure frozen chicken is fully thawed before assembling the dish.

What can I use instead of crackers?

I sometimes use crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or even crispy fried onions for a different texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

I find it mild, but I add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes when I want some heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I assemble everything a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until I’m ready to bake.

What sides go well with this dish?

I like serving it with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

I keep coming back to this Five-Ingredient Chicken Comfort Crunch because it delivers big comfort with very little effort. I love how creamy, crunchy, and satisfying it is, and it always feels like a reliable go-to recipe when I need something easy and delicious.