Ritz Cracker Chicken is a comforting and delicious dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Coated in buttery, crispy Ritz crackers, this chicken recipe is a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it delivers crunch and flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a go-to recipe.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The buttery, crispy coating is loved by both kids and adults.
- Customizable: You can add your own twist with spices or sauces.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is economical yet indulgent.
- Versatile: Serve with mashed potatoes, veggies, or salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Ritz crackers, crushed
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the Coating: Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and mix with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, press the chicken into the cracker mixture, covering all sides evenly.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle any remaining butter over the top for extra crispiness.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Ritz Cracker Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cracker mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Coating: Mix shredded cheddar cheese into the cracker crumbs for extra cheesy goodness.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook the coated chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 15-18 minutes for a quicker and crispier result.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and offer a juicier option.
2. How do I crush Ritz crackers easily?
Place the crackers in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin or use a food processor.
3. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can coat the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.
4. What sides pair well with Ritz Cracker Chicken?
Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, roasted carrots, or a fresh garden salad are excellent options.
5. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the cracker mixture.
6. What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
You can substitute with other buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a similar texture.
7. How can I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Avoid overbaking and let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.
8. Can I freeze Ritz Cracker Chicken?
Yes, freeze baked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
9. What dipping sauces go well with this chicken?
Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a garlic aioli complement this dish nicely.
10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or olive oil.
Conclusion
Ritz Cracker Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. Its crispy, golden coating and tender chicken make it a hit with everyone at the table. With its quick preparation, customizable flavors, and versatile serving options, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it tonight and enjoy a delicious, fuss-free meal!
PrintRitz Cracker Chicken
Ritz Cracker Chicken is a simple and delicious dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, then baked to golden perfection. This recipe is a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then press into the cracker mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Distribute the butter cubes around the chicken pieces.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. For added flavor, spoon the melted butter from the baking dish over the chicken before serving.
Notes
- Crushing Crackers: Place the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin for a fine, even texture.
- Chicken Thickness: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Variations: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the cracker mixture, such as paprika, Italian seasoning, or cayenne pepper, to suit your taste.