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Ritz Cracker Chicken

Ritz Cracker Chicken

Ritz Cracker Chicken features a perfectly crispy, golden buttery crust enveloping tender, juicy chicken breasts. This quick and easy recipe uses crushed Ritz crackers for unbeatable crunch and savory flavor, making it a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts (about 1.52 lbs), fresh and evenly sized
  • 2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed finely
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added cheesy flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts to remove excess moisture, which helps the cracker coating stick. If the breasts are thick, slice them horizontally or pound lightly to ensure even cooking and juicy results.
  2. Crush the Ritz Crackers: Place Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush finely using a rolling pin or pulse gently in a food processor. Combine the crushed crackers with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to season the coating evenly.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Brush each chicken breast lightly with melted butter. Press the buttered chicken firmly into the cracker mixture, ensuring an even and thick coating on all sides. The butter helps create the signature golden, crispy crust.
  4. Baking Time: Place the coated chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet or parchment-lined pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the coating is golden and an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and making slicing easier. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Use a shallow dish to press the chicken firmly into the cracker crumbs for a full, even coating.
  • Flatten thicker breasts to ensure consistent cooking and reduce bake time.
  • Do not skip brushing the chicken with melted butter to achieve the signature crispy golden crust.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is cooked through but remains juicy.
  • For extra crispiness, pan-sear the coated chicken briefly before baking.
  • Feel free to add cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick or mix in dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an aromatic variation.
  • To make it gluten-free, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers.
  • For a dairy-free version, replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine.
  • Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese in the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ritz Cracker Chicken, crispy chicken, baked chicken, buttery chicken coating, easy dinner, family-friendly chicken