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Cheez-It Fried Chicken: A Culinary Revelation

My earliest memory of Cheez-Its is a vibrant orange square offered by my grandmother during long car rides. That salty, cheesy crunch was the ultimate comfort food. Years later, as a young chef experimenting in my tiny apartment, I found myself staring at a box of Cheez-Its and a package of chicken, a whimsical idea forming: what if I could capture that familiar joy in a satisfyingly savory fried chicken? The result was even better than I imagined—a crispy, cheesy coating that elevated humble fried chicken to new heights.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: Approximately 6 pieces of chicken
Yield: Approximately 2 ½ – 3 pounds of chicken
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

2 ½ – 3 lbs fryer chickens, cut up
1 ½ cups Sunshine Cheez-It crackers, crushed to fine crumbs (about 1 box)
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon celery salt or ¼ teaspoon garlic salt (your preference)
1 egg, beaten
¼ cup milk
½ cup shortening

Equipment Needed

Shallow pans or dishes
Large fry pan with lid
Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended)
Paper towels

Instructions

Begin by preparing the chicken. Clean, wash, and thoroughly dry the chicken pieces. This crucial step ensures the coating adheres properly and helps achieve that desirable crispy texture. Patting the chicken dry with paper towels works well.
Next, prepare the Cheez-It crust. In a shallow pan, combine the crushed Cheez-It cracker crumbs with the salt, oregano, and celery salt (or garlic salt, if preferred). Ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the crumbs for consistent flavor.
Coat the chicken in the cheesy mixture. Roll each piece of chicken in the Cheez-It crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well. Make sure every surface is covered for maximum cheesy goodness.
Prepare the egg wash. In a separate shallow pan, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. This mixture will help the crumbs adhere even better and create a richer flavor.
Double-coat the chicken. Dip the crumb-coated chicken in the egg and milk mixture, ensuring it is fully submerged. Then, roll the chicken again in the remaining Cheez-It crumbs, pressing firmly. This double coating guarantees a thick, crunchy, and flavorful crust.
Brown the chicken. In a large fry pan, heat the shortening over medium-high heat until shimmering. The shortening should be hot enough to sizzle gently when a crumb is dropped in.
Brown the chicken a few pieces at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the shortening, resulting in soggy chicken. Turn the chicken frequently to ensure even browning on all sides. This step creates the initial crispiness and seals in the juices.
Finish cooking the chicken. Once all pieces are browned, arrange them back in the fry pan. Cover the pan tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook over low heat until the chicken is tender and cooked through, about 30 minutes.
Check for doneness. The best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding the bone). The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, pierce the thickest part with a fork; the juices should run clear, not pink.
Remove and serve. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess shortening. This will help maintain the crispy texture. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Crush the Cheez-Its finely: For the best coating, ensure the Cheez-Its are crushed into very fine crumbs. A food processor or blender works wonders for this. If the crumbs are too coarse, they won’t adhere as well.
Don’t skip the double coating: This is key to achieving a thick, flavorful crust. The egg wash acts like glue, ensuring the crumbs stay put during frying.
Control the heat: Maintaining a consistent temperature is essential for even cooking and preventing burning. If the chicken is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
Use a splatter screen: Frying can get messy! A splatter screen will help contain the oil and prevent burns.
Make ahead: You can prepare the chicken up to the point of frying several hours in advance. Store the coated chicken in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to cook.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Cheez-It Fried Chicken hot, straight from the pan, for the ultimate crispy experience. It’s delicious on its own or paired with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or corn on the cob.

For leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Reheating in a skillet with a little oil can also help restore some of the crispness. While freezing is possible, it may affect the texture of the crust. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	415 kcal	21%
Total Fat	25g	38%
Saturated Fat	8g	40%
Cholesterol	102mg	34%
Sodium	281mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	22g	7%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	2g	N/A
Protein	26g	52%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Cheez-It crackers or a similar gluten-free cheesy cracker alternative. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the Cheez-It crumb mixture for a kick.
Herbed: Experiment with different herbs in the crumb mixture, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a leaner version. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Air Fryer: For a healthier option, try cooking the chicken in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of cracker?
A: While Cheez-Its provide the signature flavor, you could experiment with other cheesy crackers like cheese nips or similar varieties, but the taste will differ slightly.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from falling off?
A: Make sure the chicken is thoroughly dry before coating, and use a double coating of crumbs and egg wash to ensure the crumbs adhere properly. Press the crumbs firmly onto the chicken.

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A: Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. However, the baked version will not be as crispy as the fried version.

Q: What’s the best way to crush the Cheez-Its?
A: A food processor or blender is the easiest way to crush the Cheez-Its into fine crumbs. You can also place them in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin or mallet.

Q: Can I use oil instead of shortening?
A: Yes, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil as a substitute for shortening. Choose an oil with a high smoke point.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be afraid to get a little cheesy! This Cheez-It Fried Chicken recipe is a fun and delicious twist on a classic comfort food that is sure to impress. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback with me. Consider pairing it with a crisp green salad and a creamy dipping sauce for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the delightful crunch and cheesy flavor!

Cheez-It Fried Chicken Recipe