Pepper Jelly Chicken

Name: Pepper Jelly Chicken with Cracker Topping
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 1 tbsp olive oil; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; garlic powder, to taste; onion powder, to taste; paprika, to taste; 1/2 cup buttery crackers, crushed; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 5.2 oz garlic and herb cheese spread; 1/4 cup pepper jelly; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Pepper Jelly Chicken combines pan-seared chicken breasts with a creamy garlic herb cheese layer, topped with sweet and spicy pepper jelly and a crunchy, buttery cracker crust that bakes to golden perfection.

🌍American 🏷️Pepper jelly chicken 🏷️Chicken breast 🏷️Cheesy chicken 🏷️Sweet and savory Weeknight dinner

🏷️

🏷️Comfort food

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TikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1 tbsp olive oil
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
garlic powder, to taste
onion powder, to taste
paprika, to taste
1/2 cup buttery crackers, crushed
2 tbsp butter, melted
5.2 oz garlic and herb cheese spread
1/4 cup pepper jelly
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnishoptional

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Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
Season chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Do not cook it all the way through.
4
While the chicken sears, place the crackers in a bag and crush them into coarse crumbs.
5
In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter and mix until evenly coated.
6
Once the chicken is seared, spread the garlic and herb cheese evenly over the top of each breast.
7
Spoon the pepper jelly over the cheese layer.
8
Top generously with the buttered cracker crumbs.
9
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the toppings are bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
10
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously before pan-searing to develop a golden crust that locks in moisture.
Spread the garlic herb cheese directly onto the hot chicken while still in the pan—the residual heat helps it adhere evenly.
Toss crushed crackers with melted butter before topping to ensure even browning and crispness throughout baking.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes; watch for the cheese to bubble at edges and crackers to turn golden—don't overbake or the topping burns.

Substitutions

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs → chicken breasts (thighs stay juicier but require same baking time)
Garlic and herb cheese spread → cream cheese mixed with minced garlic and Italian seasoning (note: adjust consistency if thinner)
Buttery crackers → panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter (note: will be crunchier, less buttery flavor)
Pepper jelly → fig jam with a pinch of cayenne (note: less spice, sweeter profile)

Storage & make-ahead

Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 325°F (163°C) for 10–12 minutes until warmed through; crackers may soften slightly.

Common Questions

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the chicken with cheese, jelly, and cracker topping up to 8 hours ahead, refrigerate covered, then bake when ready—add 5 minutes to baking time if starting from cold.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. The cracker topping should be golden brown and the cheese bubbling at the edges.