Ritz Cracker Chicken is the perfect dish for anyone looking for an easy, delicious, and satisfying meal. With its crispy, buttery Ritz cracker coating and juicy chicken, this recipe brings unbeatable flavor and texture to your dinner table. Whether you’re a busy parent or just looking for a new chicken recipe, this dish is sure to impress.
Why We Love This
There’s no shortage of reasons why Ritz Cracker Chicken has gained popularity among home cooks and food lovers. Here are just a few:
- Quick and Easy: This dish is incredibly simple to prepare. If you’re looking for a hassle-free dinner that delivers on taste, Ritz Cracker Chicken fits the bill perfectly. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Crispy and Flavorful: The Ritz cracker crust creates a golden, crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy chicken inside. The flavor is irresistible, thanks to the buttery crackers and the seasoning that complements the chicken so well.
- Budget-Friendly: A great meal doesn’t have to break the bank. Ritz Cracker Chicken uses affordable, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it a budget-friendly dinner option.
- Kid-Friendly: Let’s face it—getting kids to eat can sometimes be a challenge. But the crunchy, savory coating of Ritz crackers is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters, making this a family favorite.
- Customizable: You’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all recipe. Ritz Cracker Chicken can be customized to suit your tastes. Add spices, herbs, or even a cheese topping for a unique twist on the classic.
Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Chicken
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the simple ingredients you’ll need to make Ritz Cracker Chicken.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The foundation of this dish, providing a tender and juicy base.
Ritz crackers (crushed) – The star of the coating, offering a buttery, crispy crunch that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
Melted butter – Adds moisture and richness to the chicken while helping the cracker coating crisp up beautifully.
Garlic powder – A subtle seasoning that complements the buttery flavor of the Ritz crackers.
Onion powder – Balances the garlic with a mild, savory depth.
Paprika – Adds a mild smokiness and a pop of color to the dish.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken
Ready to make this mouthwatering dish? Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing Ritz Cracker Chicken:
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is at the perfect temperature for baking the chicken and achieving a crispy coating.
Crush the Ritz Crackers
Place the Ritz crackers in a plastic zip-lock bag or between two pieces of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin or a food processor to crush the crackers until they form fine crumbs. This is the key to creating that crispy, golden crust.
Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. The seasoning is essential for flavor, so don’t skip this step!
Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated. Then, press the chicken into the crushed Ritz crackers, making sure each breast is completely covered with the crumbs. Gently press down to make sure the crumbs stick.
Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy
Once your Ritz Cracker Chicken is perfectly baked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Expert Tips for Perfect Ritz Cracker Chicken
Here are a few expert tips to help you take your Ritz Cracker Chicken to the next level:
Double Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier texture, consider double dipping your chicken. After dipping it in the butter, coat it in the crushed crackers, then dip it back in the butter and roll it in the crackers again. This extra layer of coating will give you a thicker, crunchier texture.
Use Fresh Chicken Breasts: While frozen chicken breasts are convenient, fresh chicken will yield a juicier, more tender result. If using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed before preparing.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After baking, let your chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps keep the chicken tender and moist.
Season Generously: The Ritz crackers already have a lot of flavor, but seasoning the chicken itself with garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of paprika will ensure that the dish is flavorful from the inside out.
Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through. The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C).
Creative Variations of Ritz Cracker Chicken
While the classic Ritz Cracker Chicken is already delicious on its own, there are several ways you can tweak the recipe to suit your personal taste. Here are some fun variations:
Ranch Ritz Cracker Chicken: Mix in a packet of ranch seasoning with the Ritz cracker crumbs for an extra burst of flavor. The tangy ranch complements the buttery chicken perfectly.
Cheese-Topped Ritz Cracker Chicken: Add a layer of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking. The cheese will melt into the crispy crust, making it even more indulgent.
Spicy Ritz Cracker Chicken: Want a little heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes to the Ritz cracker crumbs. This will give your chicken a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with a cooling side like mashed potatoes.
Herb Ritz Cracker Chicken: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the cracker crumbs for an aromatic twist. Fresh herbs can also be used if you prefer a more vibrant flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your Ritz Cracker Chicken ready, here are some sides that will perfectly complement this dish:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes is a perfect match for the crispy chicken. Add roasted garlic for extra flavor.
Steamed Vegetables: Simple sides like steamed broccoli or green beans add freshness and balance to the richness of the chicken.
Rice Pilaf: A side of rice pilaf brings flavor and texture to the plate, making the meal more filling and satisfying.
Fresh Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette will contrast nicely with the crispy chicken, offering a refreshing bite to balance the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ritz Cracker Chicken
Can I use a different type of cracker for this recipe?
Yes! While Ritz crackers are ideal for their buttery flavor and crisp texture, you can also use other buttery crackers like Town House or Club crackers for a similar effect.
Can I make Ritz Cracker Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking, then cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat!
How do I make Ritz Cracker Chicken healthier?
To make it lighter, use olive oil instead of butter, and opt for skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. You can also bake the chicken instead of frying it to reduce fat.
Ritz Cracker Chicken
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups Ritz crackers crushed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs using a zip-lock bag or a food processor.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, then coat with the crushed Ritz crackers.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.