Easy Ritz Crusted Chicken Delight Recipe for Crispy Perfection

Ritz crusted chicken delight brings a crispy, golden-brown sensation to your dinner table that promises pure culinary excitement.

Imagine a dish where buttery, cracker-infused coating meets tender, juicy poultry in an irresistible combination.

Crunch meets comfort in this crowd-pleasing recipe that elevates a classic protein into something extraordinary.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive technique that turns ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

The crackers create an unexpectedly delicate, perfectly seasoned exterior that seals in incredible flavor and moisture.

Every bite delivers a satisfying texture contrast between the crisp exterior and succulent meat underneath.

You can find this recipe is surprisingly easy to master, requiring minimal preparation and delivering maximum deliciousness.

One taste will convince you that this chicken dish deserves a permanent spot in your weeknight menu rotation.

Why Ritz Crusted Chicken Is a Favorite

• The Ritz crackers create an irresistibly crispy exterior that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite, while the melted cheddar cheese adds a rich, savory depth to the chicken.
• This recipe requires minimal prep work and uses basic ingredients, making it perfect for busy families looking for a delicious meal that comes together in under an hour.
• The homemade cream sauce transforms this chicken dish from ordinary to extraordinary, providing a luxurious, velvety topping that elevates the entire dining experience and keeps the chicken incredibly moist.
• Kids and adults alike will love the familiar, comforting flavors, and the recipe can easily be adapted for different dietary preferences or to use up ingredients you have on hand.

Ingredients to Make Ritz Crusted Chicken

• Chicken Fillets: Tender meat that serves as the main protein, choose fresh or thawed chicken breasts for best results.

• Eggs, Milk: Binding liquid that helps other ingredients stick to the chicken, whole milk provides richer flavor.
• Ritz Crackers: Creates a crispy golden crust, provides a buttery texture and extra crunch.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, savory flavor and helps create a cheesy outer layer.

• Salt, Garlic Pepper: Enhances the chicken's natural flavor, use freshly ground pepper for more intensity.
• Butter: Adds richness to the sauce, unsalted butter gives better control of saltiness.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a creamy base for the sauce, provides depth and smoothness.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the sauce, full-fat version recommended for best texture.
• Milk: Helps thin and blend the sauce ingredients, whole milk provides better consistency.

Instructions for Ritz Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Pan

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Egg Wash

• Egg
• Milk

Step 3: Prepare Coating Stations

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Egg wash mixture

Step 4: Season Chicken

• Salt
• Garlic pepper

Step 5: Coat Chicken Layers

• Egg wash
• Shredded cheese
• Crushed Ritz crackers

Place coated fillets on prepared baking pan.

Step 6: Bake Chicken

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and crust is golden and crispy.

Step 7: Prepare Creamy Sauce

• Butter
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk

Whisk until well blended and heated through.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Pour warm sauce generously over hot chicken fillets. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor.

Pro Cooking Tips for Ritz Chicken

• Cracker Crushing Technique: Crush Ritz crackers in a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin for uniform, fine crumbs that create an even, crispy coating.
• Cheese Adhesion Hack: Press shredded cheese firmly onto chicken before adding cracker coating to ensure maximum flavor and better crust attachment.
• Temperature Check Trick: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat without drying.
• Sauce Smoothness Secret: Whisk sauce ingredients continuously while heating to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy texture that complements the crispy chicken.
• Moisture Preservation Method: Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after baking to help retain juices and prevent the meat from becoming tough or dry.

How to Store and Warm It Up

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will remain fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Microwave Option: For quick reheating, place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to prevent toughness. Add a small splash of broth or sauce to maintain juiciness.

Side Dishes That Go with Ritz Chicken

• Savor Creamy Chardonnay Pairing: The buttery, rich sauce of this chicken dish calls for a crisp Chardonnay with subtle oak notes, which complements the creamy texture and enhances the cheese's sharpness.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Sidekick: Garlic-roasted asparagus or honey-glazed carrots provide a bright, colorful contrast to the golden Ritz-crusted chicken, balancing the meal's richness with fresh, vibrant flavors.
• Serve Tangy Coleslaw Companion: A zesty, light coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing cuts through the dish's heaviness, offering a refreshing crunch that cleanses the palate between bites of crispy chicken.
• Match Buttery Pinot Grigio: A light, crisp Pinot Grigio with subtle citrus undertones works perfectly with the chicken's cheesy crust, creating a delightful harmony of flavors that doesn't overpower the meal's delicate profile.

New Takes on Ritz Chicken

• Herb-Infused Crunch: Blend dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the Ritz cracker mixture for an aromatic and flavorful coating that elevates the chicken's taste profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Mix finely chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper into the cheese layer to add a zesty heat that complements the crispy cracker crust.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace cheddar with crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle dried basil and sun-dried tomato pieces into the cracker coating for a Mediterranean-inspired version of the recipe.
• Parmesan Garlic Variation: Substitute cheddar with grated parmesan cheese and add minced garlic to the cracker crumbs for a rich, savory alternative that brings intense flavor to the dish.

FAQ: Ritz Crusted Chicken Basics

• Can I use a different type of cracker for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with other buttery crackers like Townhouse or Club crackers. Just make sure they’re similarly crisp and flavorful.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should look white throughout with no pink areas.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if you’re starting with cold chicken.

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

Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad pair wonderfully with this creamy, crispy chicken dish.

Ritz Crusted Chicken Delight Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ritz Crusted Chicken Delight brings crispy, golden perfection to your dinner table with a delightful crunch that elevates classic poultry. Crunchy crackers and savory seasonings create an irresistible coating you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets

Breading and Topping:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (Roasted Vegetable flavor recommended), crushed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Sauce and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup milk
• 10 ounces (283 grams) cream of chicken soup
• ¼ cup milk (for the sauce)
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt, to taste
• Garlic pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy release.
2. Create a wet binding mixture by whisking egg and milk in a shallow dish, which will help the coating adhere perfectly to the chicken.
3. Set up two separate coating stations: one with finely crushed Ritz crackers and another with shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Season chicken fillets with salt and garlic pepper, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
5. Dredge each chicken piece through the egg-milk mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
6. Carefully press shredded cheese onto the moistened chicken surface, creating a flavorful first layer.
7. Roll the cheese-covered chicken in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to create a crisp, golden exterior.
8. Arrange the coated chicken fillets on the prepared baking pan, leaving space between each piece.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and the crust turns a deep golden brown.
10. While chicken bakes, prepare the accompanying sauce by melting butter in a saucepan.
11. Whisk cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk into the melted butter, stirring until smooth and heated through.
12. Remove chicken from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to retain moisture.
13. Drizzle warm, creamy sauce over the crispy chicken just before serving.

Notes

• Prep ahead by crushing Ritz crackers and shredding cheese to streamline the coating process and reduce kitchen time.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help the egg mixture and coating adhere more effectively to the chicken.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, using a meat thermometer for precision.
• Customize seasoning by experimenting with different herbs or spices like paprika, Italian blend, or dried thyme in the cracker coating.
• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to maintain crispiness.
• For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the sauce and baking on a wire rack to reduce excess oil.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg