Ritz Cracker Chicken is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that brings together the crunch of buttery Ritz crackers and the savory flavor of tender, baked chicken. This simple yet delicious recipe has become a family favorite thanks to its crispy, golden coating and juicy chicken. The Ritz crackers create a unique, flavorful crust that seals in the chicken’s moisture while adding a touch of saltiness and buttery goodness. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even meal prepping, Ritz Cracker Chicken is a dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
To prepare this delicious Ritz Cracker Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30-35 crackers)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or brushing it with some melted butter.
Step 2: In a food processor or a resealable plastic bag, crush the Ritz crackers until they are finely crushed. You can also do this by placing the crackers in a plastic bag and using a rolling pin to crush them. The goal is to have a fine, breadcrumb-like consistency for coating the chicken.
Step 3: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley to the crushed Ritz crackers. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, ensuring it is fully coated. After that, dredge the butter-coated chicken in the Ritz cracker mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the chicken is covered evenly with the cracker crumbs.
Step 5: Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. If you have any leftover cracker mixture, sprinkle it over the top of the chicken for extra crunch and flavor.
Step 6: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The coating should be golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and extra flavor.
Variation Ideas:
- Cheese Lovers: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken before baking for a cheesy, melty addition to your Ritz Cracker Chicken.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the Ritz cracker mixture to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Side: Pair the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to create a complete meal.
- Chicken Thighs: Use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier alternative.
COOKING NOTE:
For extra crispy chicken, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning. This will give the cracker coating an even crispier texture.
Serving Suggestions:
Ritz Cracker Chicken is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the meal by pairing it with a variety of sides. Serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting, hearty dinner. A fresh green salad or steamed broccoli also pairs well with the savory, buttery flavors of the chicken. For a fun twist, serve the chicken with a dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard.
Tips:
- Even Coating: For an even and thick coating, press the Ritz cracker mixture onto the chicken firmly. This ensures that the crackers stay in place while baking and provide maximum crunch.
- Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can butterfly them (slice them in half horizontally) to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
- Make Ahead: Ritz Cracker Chicken can be prepared in advance. You can coat the chicken in the Ritz cracker mixture, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to marinate and the coating to set for a more flavorful result.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 380
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 850mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
FAQs:
- Can I use a different brand of crackers? While Ritz crackers are known for their buttery flavor, you can experiment with other buttery crackers or even panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through completely.
- How can I make this recipe healthier? To reduce calories, you can use a lower-fat butter or substitute olive oil for the butter. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or omit it entirely.
- Can I freeze Ritz Cracker Chicken? Yes, you can freeze the coated chicken before baking. Simply place the chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze for a few hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake the chicken straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion:
Ritz Cracker Chicken is a flavorful and simple dish that combines tender chicken with a crispy, golden, buttery crust. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please the whole family. With its easy preparation, crispy texture, and savory flavor, it’s a guaranteed hit on your dinner table. Try it out, and you’ll soon find that Ritz Cracker Chicken is a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again!