Crackle & Crunch: The Jazziest Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe

Tender chicken meets crispy ritz cracker coating in a mouthwatering dish that promises pure comfort.

Crunchy and golden, this ritz cracker chicken recipe delivers irresistible flavor in every bite.

Home cooks adore the simple yet delectable method of creating this crowd-pleasing meal.

The crackers add a satisfying texture that turns ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Salt, pepper, and a light butter brush elevate the chicken to new heights of deliciousness.

Each forkful brings a perfect balance of crisp exterior and juicy meat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Calories: 508 kcal

Servings: 3

Things You Need For Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Ritz Crackers: Provides crunchy, buttery texture that creates a delightful golden exterior with rich flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth without overwhelming the chicken's natural taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance overall seasoning and bring balanced flavor complexity.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs coating beautifully and creates tender main dish.
• Eggs: Acts as binding agent to help cracker mixture adhere perfectly to chicken surface.

• Butter: Helps create golden-brown crust and adds luxurious, creamy undertone to the entire dish.

Helpful Tools For Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Baking Dish (9×13 inch): Perfect for roasting chicken evenly and catching delicious butter drippings.
• Shallow Bowl: Essential for mixing cracker crumbs and creating a crispy coating.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps precisely measure garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Mixing Spoon or Fork: Great for crushing Ritz crackers and mixing seasoning.
• Knife: Useful for cutting butter into small cubes.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish.

Steps To Prepare Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen with a toasty 375F environment, creating the perfect backdrop for our golden chicken adventure.

• Cracker Magic

Crush those Ritz crackers into a delightful powder, mixing in secret flavor boosters like garlic powder and a sprinkle of seasoning.

• Chicken Transformation

Dunk each chicken piece into silky eggs, then lovingly roll it through the cracker wonderland, ensuring every inch gets a crunchy embrace.

• Buttery Paradise

Nestle the coated chicken into a baking dish, dotting it with soft butter cubes that promise a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• Golden Moment

Let the oven work its magic for 25-30 minutes, watching the chicken turn into a crispy, golden masterpiece that whispers promises of deliciousness.

• Serving Celebration

Pull out your creation, letting the buttery juices cascade over the crunchy exterior, ready to wow taste buds and bring smiles to the dinner table.

Tips And Swaps For Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Crispy Cracker Coating Mastery: Learn professional techniques to get an extra-crunchy, perfectly golden chicken every single time.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine to make this recipe completely lactose-free without losing delicious flavor.
• Spice Level Adventure: Kick up the heat by adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cracker crumb mixture for a zesty southwestern twist.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes to make this recipe celiac-friendly and equally delectable.
• Meal Prep Magic: Cook chicken in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating at 350F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy texture and juicy interior.

Ways To Serve Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Crispy Companion Delights: Pair this golden-brown chicken with fresh, zesty sides that complement its rich, buttery cracker coating.
• Garden Fresh Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the chicken's richness.
• Creamy Comfort Sides: Serve with smooth mashed potatoes or creamy macaroni and cheese to create a comforting, satisfying meal that'll make everyone smile.
• Veggie Medley Magic: Roast colorful vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and zucchini with a touch of olive oil and herbs to add nutrition and vibrant color to the plate.

Storing Ritz Cracker Chicken Made Simple

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and bacterial growth.
• Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual chicken pieces in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a sealed freezer bag. Frozen Ritz Cracker Chicken maintains quality for up to 2 months when stored properly.
• Reheating Magic: Revive cold chicken by warming in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the crispy cracker coating's delightful crunch. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare chicken earlier in the day and refrigerate before baking. Keep the cracker coating separate until just before cooking to prevent soggy texture. This technique ensures maximum crispiness and convenient dinner preparation.

Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Ritz cracker chicken combines crispy crackers with tender chicken for a delightful Southern-style main dish. Crunchy coating and juicy meat make this simple recipe a family favorite that you’ll want to add to your weekly menu.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (226 g / 8 oz) crushed Ritz crackers
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F, positioning rack in the center for optimal heat distribution.
2. Coating Creation: Pulverize Ritz crackers into fine crumbs, blending with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a wide, shallow dish to create a flavorful breading mixture.
3. Egg Dipping: Whisk eggs in a separate bowl until thoroughly combined, forming a smooth binding agent for the cracker coating.
4. Chicken Coating: Dredge each chicken breast in whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully press into the seasoned cracker mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Baking Process: Arrange cracker-coated chicken in a baking dish, strategically placing butter cubes around the pieces to infuse moisture and enhance flavor during roasting.
6. Cooking and Finishing: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the exterior turns golden brown and crisp, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from oven and let rest briefly to redistribute juices, then serve with the melted butter drizzled over the top for an extra layer of richness.

Notes

• Optimize Cracker Coating: Crush Ritz crackers finely and evenly to ensure a consistent, crispy texture that adheres perfectly to the chicken.
• Prevent Moisture Loss: Pat chicken breasts dry before dipping in eggs to help the coating stick better and maintain maximum juiciness during baking.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal chicken temperature, avoiding overcooking while ensuring food safety.
• Cracker Coating Variations: Experiment with different seasoned crackers or add herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the crumb mixture for enhanced flavor profiles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 508
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 912 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 144 mg