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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Pulverize the Ritz crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin, creating a texture perfect for an exceptional coating.
- 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.
- Gently immerse each chicken fillet into melted butter, allowing complete coverage and helping the seasoned crumbs adhere perfectly.
- 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.
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking sheet with a light coating of grease or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Strategically position the crumb-encrusted chicken fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to promote optimal crispiness.
- Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) and the coating develops a rich, golden-brown crunch.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and maintaining maximum moisture.
- 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