Cheesy Apple & Chicken Bake
This delightful Cheesy Apple & Chicken Bake merges savory and sweet flavors to create a comforting dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner. Inspired by my visits to Cracker Barrel, this recipe brings together tender boneless chicken breasts, tart-sweet apple slices, and crunchy Ritz crackers all smothered in a decadent cheddar cheese sauce. It's easy to prepare and sure to please the entire family. Perfect for serving alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (none)
apple
1 (sliced (Golden Delicious works well))
Ritz crackers
1 cup (approximately) (crushed)
cheddar cheese soup
1 (10 ounce) can (warmed, thinned with a little milk if needed)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In an ovenproof dish, place the boneless skinless chicken breasts and season generously with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that the Ritz crackers will add additional saltiness.
3
Evenly distribute the sliced apple or canned apple slices over the seasoned chicken breasts.
4
Crush enough Ritz crackers to generously cover the apple layer, then sprinkle the crushed crackers over the apples.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center.
6
While the chicken bakes, warm the cheddar cheese soup in a saucepan. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a splash of milk until desired consistency is reached.
7
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and spoon the warm cheddar cheese soup or Cheese Whiz over the top just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Apple & Chicken Bake?
It is a savory and sweet comfort dish featuring chicken, apples, Ritz crackers, and cheese sauce.
How many main ingredients are required?
There are 6 main ingredients including chicken, apples, Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese soup, salt, and pepper.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Which apple variety works best?
Golden Delicious apples are recommended for their balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Can I use canned apple slices?
Yes, canned apple slices can be used instead of fresh apples.
How should the Ritz crackers be prepared?
The Ritz crackers should be crushed before being sprinkled over the apple layer.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What is the typical baking time?
The dish usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes to bake thoroughly.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the center and reaches a safe internal temperature.
What kind of sauce is served with the chicken?
A warmed cheddar cheese soup or Cheese Whiz is used as the topping.
How can I thin out the cheese sauce if it is too thick?
You can thin the cheese soup by adding a splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency.
When should the cheese sauce be added?
Spoon the warm sauce over the chicken just before serving.
Can I use Cheese Whiz as a substitute for soup?
Yes, Cheese Whiz is a suitable alternative for the cheddar cheese soup topping.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is an easy-to-prepare dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Should I add salt and pepper to the chicken?
Yes, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper before layering the other ingredients.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can assemble the chicken and apples ahead of time, but wait to add the crackers and sauce for the best texture.
What side dishes pair well with this bake?
A fresh salad or roasted vegetables are excellent side dish choices.
How many servings does the recipe provide?
Based on two chicken breasts, it typically serves two people.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Absolutely, the sweet apples and cheesy sauce make it a favorite for children and adults alike.
What can I use if I do not have Ritz crackers?
Any buttery cracker or even breadcrumbs could work as a substitute.
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
It is not recommended as bone-in chicken takes much longer to bake and may require recipe adjustments.
What flavor profile can I expect?
This dish offers a unique combination of savory chicken and cheese with the sweet crunch of apples and crackers.
What type of dish should I use for baking?
An ovenproof baking dish large enough to hold the chicken breasts in a single layer is ideal.
Can I use Granny Smith apples?
Yes, Granny Smith apples will provide a tarter flavor which balances well with the cheese.
Do I need to peel the apples?
The recipe calls for sliced apples; peeling is optional based on your preference.
What should I do if the crackers are browning too quickly?
You can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze this chicken bake?
Freezing is possible, though the cracker topping may lose its crunch after thawing.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, the warm cheese and hearty chicken make it a classic comfort food meal.
Can I add herbs to the recipe?
Yes, herbs like thyme or rosemary would complement the chicken and apple flavors nicely.