Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe: A Family Favorite

Crispy, golden Ritz cracker chicken brings a nostalgic crunch to your dinner table that surprises everyone at first bite.

Old-school comfort food rarely tastes this remarkable.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients combine in unexpected ways.

Coating tender chicken pieces with buttery, salty cracker crumbs that create an irresistible exterior.

Childhood memories of home-cooked meals flood back with each savory morsel.

The recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary, promising deliciousness in every single serving.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing dish for future meal planning.

Why Ritz Cracker Chicken Is Crispy, Buttery, And Delicious

• Crunch-Packed Delight: The Ritz cracker coating delivers an irresistible crispy texture that transforms ordinary chicken into a crunchy, golden masterpiece.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: This recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Foolproof Flavor Bomb: With simple ingredients and easy coating technique, even beginner cooks can create a restaurant-quality meal that'll impress family and friends with minimal cooking skills required.
• Comfort Food Champion: The buttery, crispy exterior combined with tender chicken creates a nostalgic dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, guaranteed to satisfy comfort food cravings.

What You Need For Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Ritz Crackers: Provides a crispy, buttery coating that adds crunch and flavor to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Brings a mild, savory depth to the breading mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Chicken Breasts: The main protein of the recipe, best when fresh and boneless.

• Eggs: Helps the cracker coating stick to the chicken and creates a golden exterior.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crispy, golden-brown coating while keeping the chicken moist.

Easy Steps To Make Ritz Cracker Chicken At Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Zone

Crank your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven gets cozy, grab your baking gear and prep station.

Step 2: Create Your Crunchy Magic Coating

• Ritz crackers
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Crush the crackers into tiny, delightful bits. Mix the cracker crumbs with seasonings in a wide, shallow bowl. This is where the flavor explosion begins!

Step 3: Transform Chicken into Crispy Goodness

• Dive it into the egg bath
• Let excess egg drip away
• Roll and press into the cracker mixture
• Ensure every inch gets a delicious cracker hug

Step 4: Butter Up the Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle butter cubes around the chicken like delicious little flavor bombs. The butter will work its magic during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the heated oven. Let it cook for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown coat and make sure the chicken reaches 165 degrees internally. The crackers will turn into a crispy, irresistible armor.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece. Drizzle those melted butter juices over the top. The chicken will be crispy outside, juicy inside – a total crowd-pleaser!

FAQs About Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Why use Ritz crackers for coating chicken?

Ritz crackers create a super crispy, buttery crust that’s way more flavorful than traditional breadcrumbs. They add a delicious richness and golden crunch that makes ordinary chicken extraordinary.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free crackers like corn or rice crackers as a substitute. Just crush them finely and follow the same coating process to maintain the recipe’s crispy texture.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165F (74C) at the thickest part. This ensures the meat is fully cooked and juicy.

• What if my chicken breasts are different sizes?

If chicken breasts vary in thickness, consider pounding them to an even thickness before coating. This helps ensure uniform cooking and prevents some parts from being undercooked or overdry.

Tips To Keep Ritz Cracker Chicken Golden And Juicy

• Crush Crackers Perfectly: Use a rolling pin or food processor to create fine, even crumbs for the most consistent and crispy coating.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to help retain moisture and ensure juicy meat.
• Customize Seasoning: Experiment with different herbs like dried thyme or paprika to add extra flavor to the cracker coating.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Prep Ahead: Coat the chicken in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking to enhance flavor and save time during meal preparation.

How To Store And Reheat Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat Oven: Warm refrigerated chicken at 350F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave Caution: Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crispy Ritz cracker coating soggy and tough.

Great Sides To Serve With Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Crisp Wine Companion: Pair this Ritz Cracker Chicken with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, whose zesty citrus notes cut through the buttery richness of the dish, creating a refreshing balance.
• Herbaceous Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, which adds a peppery brightness that complements the crispy cracker coating and enhances the overall meal.
• Creamy Comfort Enhancer: Add a dollop of garlic aioli or herbed sour cream on the side, providing a cool, tangy counterpoint to the warm, crunchy chicken that elevates each bite with extra flavor complexity.
• Sparkling Beverage Boost: Enjoy with a crisp hard cider or a light wheat beer, whose slight effervescence and subtle sweetness will cleanse the palate and match the dish's buttery, salty profile.

Tasty Twists On Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Herb-Infused Cracker Chicken: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano to the cracker coating for an aromatic and flavorful twist. The herbs will enhance the chicken's taste and create a more complex profile.
• Spicy Cracker Chicken: Mix cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the Ritz cracker coating for a zesty kick. This variation adds heat and excitement to the classic recipe, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
• Parmesan Cracker Chicken: Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into the cracker mixture for a rich, nutty flavor. The cheese will create a crispy, golden crust that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
• Ranch-Inspired Cracker Chicken: Blend ranch seasoning mix into the cracker coating for a tangy, creamy flavor profile. This version brings a popular dressing taste directly into the chicken's crunchy exterior.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Ritz cracker chicken brings Southern comfort to dinner tables with its golden, crunchy coating and juicy interior. Home cooks can savor this quick, satisfying meal that delivers classic flavor and irresistible texture in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (around 226 grams) crushed Ritz crackers
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Fat/Butter:

• ½ cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

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Instructions

1. Preheat the kitchen oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, creating an ideal cooking environment for the crispy chicken preparation.
2. Transform Ritz crackers into a fine, textured coating by crushing them thoroughly in a shallow mixing vessel, blending with aromatic garlic powder, mineral salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Whisk eggs in a separate container until uniformly combined, creating a smooth adhesive layer for the cracker mixture.
4. Carefully immerse each chicken breast into the whisked eggs, allowing excess liquid to cascade off, then meticulously press the moistened protein into the seasoned cracker mixture, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage.
5. Select a rectangular baking dish and strategically position the cracker-encrusted chicken pieces, arranging small cubes of rich butter around the perimeter to enhance moisture and flavor during roasting.
6. Transfer the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to transform for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the exterior develops a golden-brown crisp and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Extract the baking dish from the oven, letting the chicken rest momentarily to redistribute internal juices, then elegantly plate and drizzle the melted butter from the cooking surface for an extra layer of richness.

Notes

• Select high-quality chicken breasts with similar thickness to ensure even cooking and crispy coating.
• Pat chicken completely dry before coating to help the breading adhere perfectly and create a crunchier texture.
• Crush Ritz crackers into fine, consistent crumbs for the most uniform and crispy exterior.
• Use unsalted butter to control the dish’s overall saltiness, especially since Ritz crackers already contain salt.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like dried thyme or rosemary to customize the flavor profile.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer for guaranteed food safety and perfectly cooked meat.
• Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after baking to retain maximum juiciness and allow the coating to set.
• Transform this recipe into a gluten-free version by substituting Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes.
• Create a low-sodium variation by using reduced-sodium crackers and omitting additional salt in the coating mixture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 457
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 882 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg