Crispy Ritz Chicken Delight Recipe: A Family-Favorite Dinner

Ritz chicken delight delivers a mouthwatering crunch that will revolutionize your dinner routine.

Imagine a golden-brown exterior that shatters with each delectable bite.

Buttery crackers create an irresistible coating that locks in tender, juicy meat.

crispy textures dance across your palate with every forkful of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, making this meal a weeknight hero.

You can be amazed how such straightforward ingredients can produce such spectacular results.

Explore this culinary adventure and watch everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Crispy Ritz Chicken Delight – Common Questions

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

The answer is to use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). The chicken should also look golden brown and crispy on the outside.

• Can I use a different type of cracker instead of Ritz?

The answer is yes! You can substitute Ritz crackers with breadcrumbs, panko, or other similar crackers. Just maintain the same measurement for a similar crispy coating.

• How long can I store leftover crispy Ritz chicken?

The answer is to store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture, avoiding the microwave which can make the coating soggy.

• What are some good side dishes to serve with this chicken?

The answer includes mashed potatoes, green beans, fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or rice. These sides complement the crispy chicken and create a balanced meal.

Why Crispy Ritz Chicken Delight Is the Ultimate Crunchy Comfort

• Ritz crackers transform ordinary chicken into an irresistibly crunchy masterpiece with a satisfying texture that delivers a delightful crackle in every bite.
• This recipe takes just minutes to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps that make it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika creates a mouthwatering seasoning blend that elevates basic chicken into a restaurant-quality dish bursting with savory goodness.
• Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences, this chicken can be paired with numerous side dishes and works wonderfully for casual family dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients for Crispy Ritz Chicken Delight

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Fillets: Tender pieces of meat that form the main protein of the dish, best when fresh and uniform in thickness.

• Ritz Crackers, Parmesan Cheese: Crispy base that provides a golden, crunchy exterior with rich, savory flavor, best when finely crushed.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken, offering depth and warmth to the coating.

• Melted Butter: Helps the cracker coating adhere to the chicken, adding richness and helping create a crispy golden crust.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds a fresh, colorful finish to the dish, perfect for visual appeal and subtle herbal notes.

How to Make Crispy Ritz Chicken Delight at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Grab a baking sheet and either spray it with cooking spray or cover it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Coating

• Food processor
• Rolling pin
• Sealed plastic bag and a heavy object

• Crushed Ritz cracker crumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Transform the Chicken

• Dunk it completely in melted butter
• Roll the buttery chicken through the cracker mixture
• Press the coating gently to make sure it sticks everywhere

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

• Internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius)
• Coating turns a beautiful golden brown
• Chicken looks crispy and delectable

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed green beans
• Crisp garden salad

Enjoy your homemade Crispy Ritz Chicken Delight!

Tips for the Crispiest Ritz Chicken Ever

• Crush Crackers Perfectly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform, fine crumbs for the most even and crispy coating.
• Butter Technique Matters: Ensure each chicken piece is fully coated in melted butter before dredging to help the cracker mixture stick and create a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Press Crumbs Firmly: Gently but firmly press the cracker mixture onto the chicken to create a thick, consistent layer that will result in maximum crispiness.
• Temperature Check is Crucial: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165F (74C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat that remains juicy.
• Let Chicken Rest: Allow the cooked chicken to sit for a few minutes after baking, which helps redistribute juices and maintain ultimate tenderness.

Properly Store and Reheat Crispy Ritz Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Reheat Oven Method: Warm chicken at 350F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Check internal temperature reaches 165F to ensure food safety.
• Prevent Sogginess: Place chicken on a wire rack while reheating to maintain crispy Ritz cracker coating. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve the original crunchy texture.

What Sides Work Best with Crispy Ritz Chicken Delight

• Craft a Crisp Wine Companion: Select a light, zesty white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the crispy, buttery chicken coating. These wines cut through the richness and enhance the garlic and herb flavors.
• Elevate with Fresh Salad Sidekick: Prepare a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the chicken's richness. The peppery greens and bright citrus notes will refresh the palate between crispy bites.
• Boost with Creamy Potato Partner: Whip up garlic mashed potatoes to create a comforting side that matches the chicken's golden crunch. The smooth, buttery potatoes will absorb the chicken's herbal seasonings perfectly.
• Match with Crisp Vegetable Accent: Roast green beans with almonds and a touch of garlic to provide a crunchy, nutty contrast to the Ritz-crusted chicken. This veggie side adds nutrition and textural excitement to the meal.

Make It Your Own: Variations of Ritz Chicken Delight

• Spicy Herb Cracker Chicken: Kick up the flavor by adding cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried herbs like thyme and rosemary to the cracker coating. The extra spices create a zesty, bold version that brings heat and complexity to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Inspired Chicken: Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and mix in dried oregano, lemon zest, and dried basil. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce to enhance the Mediterranean profile and create a fresh, tangy experience.
• Ranch Cracker Chicken: Incorporate ranch seasoning mix directly into the cracker crumb coating for a creamy, herbal flavor profile. This variation adds a popular ranch dressing taste that makes the chicken even more irresistible and crowd-pleasing.
• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining the same delicious crunch.

Crispy Ritz Chicken Delight Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ritz Cracker Chicken emerges as a golden-crusted masterpiece that elevates weeknight dinners with irresistible crunch. Buttery crackers and perfectly seasoned chicken create a flavor symphony you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 1 cup/240 milliliters crushed)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, optional, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pulverize the Ritz crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin, creating a texture perfect for an exceptional coating.
2. Combine the cracker crumbs with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish, whisking to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
3. Gently immerse each chicken fillet into melted butter, allowing complete coverage and helping the seasoned crumbs adhere perfectly.
4. Carefully transfer the butter-coated chicken into the cracker mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick, even layer of crumbs that will transform into a crispy golden exterior.
5. Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking sheet with a light coating of grease or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Strategically position the crumb-encrusted chicken fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to promote optimal crispiness.
7. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) and the coating develops a rich, golden-brown crunch.
8. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and maintaining maximum moisture.
9. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside complementary sides like creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant green beans, or a crisp garden salad.

Notes

• Quick Cracker Coating Technique: Crush Ritz crackers finely for an extra crispy, flavorful chicken exterior that locks in moisture and adds delightful texture.
• Butter Dipping Magic: Melted butter helps cracker crumbs adhere perfectly to chicken, creating a golden, crunchy crust that seals in juicy chicken goodness.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat every single time.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare chicken coating mixture in advance and store in an airtight container for up to a week, saving precious meal prep time.
• Versatile Seasoning Hack: Experiment with different herbs and spices in the cracker mixture to customize flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
• Leftover Storage Tip: Refrigerate cooked chicken in an sealed container for up to 3 days, making it a convenient meal prep option for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 570mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 90mg