Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Ritz Cracker Chicken is a simple and delicious dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker crust. This recipe combines savory Parmesan and garlic flavors for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed into crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Dip each chicken breast into the flour, coating it completely, then into the beaten eggs, and finally press it firmly into the cracker mixture to fully coat each piece.
3. Step 3: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of each breast to help the crust brown and stay crispy.
4. Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the crust is golden brown.
5. Step 5: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices and keep it tender.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or dried herbs like thyme to the cracker mixture.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright finish.

Storage

Store leftover Ritz Cracker Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz crackers?

Yes, gluten-free cracker crumbs can be used as a substitute to make this dish gluten-free. Just ensure they are finely crushed for even coating.

Is it necessary to use melted butter on top?

While not absolutely necessary, drizzling melted butter helps the cracker crust brown nicely and stay crisp. You can skip it for a lighter version but the crust may be less golden.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 75 reviews

Ritz Cracker Chicken is a crispy, flavorful baked chicken recipe coated with a buttery Ritz cracker crust mixed with Parmesan cheese and seasoned with garlic salt and black pepper. This simple yet indulgent dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or special dinner and pairs wonderfully with vegetables or a fresh salad.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Breading

• 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed into crumbs (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Other

• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare breading mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed Ritz cracker crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
3. Prepare dredging stations: Place the flour in a separate shallow dish. In another shallow bowl, beat the two eggs until smooth.
4. Coat chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the Ritz cracker mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Arrange and butter: Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top of each piece to help create a golden, crispy crust while baking.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside, and the crust is golden brown and crisp. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can add paprika or Italian seasoning to the cracker mixture.
• Make sure to crush the Ritz crackers finely for an even coating and crisp texture.
• If you prefer, substitute the butter with olive oil for a slightly different flavor and to reduce saturated fat.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Check doneness with a meat thermometer for safety and optimal juiciness.

Keywords: Ritz Cracker Chicken, crispy baked chicken, Parmesan crusted chicken, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken breast