Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe
Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe
Table of Contents
Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe
This Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken recipe is a quick and easy way to bring a flavorful and crispy twist to classic baked chicken. With tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a buttery Ritz cracker crust, this dish is perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or any occasion when you crave comfort food with minimal effort.
Description:
If you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and kid friendly dinner option, this Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe is for you. Imagine succulent chicken breasts coated in a crispy layer of crumbled Ritz crackers, infused with the richness of butter and seasoned to perfection. This recipe takes your typical breaded chicken up a notch, using Ritz crackers to create a uniquely golden and flavorful crust that both adults and kids will love. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, this Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be on the table in less than 40 minutes. It’s a perfect meal when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
This easy baked Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. You can even customize the seasonings to suit your tastes, making it versatile and adaptable. Served with mashed potatoes, a simple salad, or your favorite veggies, this Ritz Cracker Chicken is bound to become a staple on your menu.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 1/2 cups Ritz cracker crumbs (about 1 sleeve of crackers, crushed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. - Prepare the Ritz Cracker Coating
Place Ritz crackers in a plastic zip top bag, seal it, and crush the crackers with a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs. You can also use a food processor if you prefer. Pour the cracker crumbs into a shallow bowl and add the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the cracker crumbs. - Melt the Butter
Melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl or saucepan over low heat. Set aside, as you’ll be using it to help the cracker coating stick to the chicken and add a rich, buttery flavor. - Coat the Chicken Breasts
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the crumbs adhere better. Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the Ritz cracker mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the crumbs stick and cover the chicken evenly on all sides. - Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart to allow even cooking. - Bake
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when tested with a meat thermometer. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. - Serve and Garnish
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Ritz Cracker Chicken with your favorite side dishes.
Notes:
- Substitutions: If you’re out of Ritz crackers, you can use other buttery crackers or even panko breadcrumbs, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Variations: Feel free to add additional spices to the crumb mixture, like Italian seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to help retain crispiness.
Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe
This Ritz Cracker Chicken recipe is a quick and easy way to bring a flavorful and crispy twist to classic baked chicken. With tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a buttery Ritz cracker crust, this dish is perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or any occasion when you crave comfort food with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 1/2 cups Ritz cracker crumbs about 1 sleeve of crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Ritz Cracker Coating
- Place Ritz crackers in a plastic zip top bag, seal it, and crush the crackers with a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs. You can also use a food processor if you prefer. Pour the cracker crumbs into a shallow bowl and add the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the cracker crumbs.
- Melt the Butter
- Melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl or saucepan over low heat. Set aside, as you’ll be using it to help the cracker coating stick to the chicken and add a rich, buttery flavor.
- Coat the Chicken Breasts
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the crumbs adhere better. Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the Ritz cracker mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the crumbs stick and cover the chicken evenly on all sides.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart to allow even cooking.
- Bake
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when tested with a meat thermometer. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Serve and Garnish
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Ritz Cracker Chicken with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Substitutions: If you’re out of Ritz crackers, you can use other buttery crackers or even panko breadcrumbs, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Variations: Feel free to add additional spices to the crumb mixture, like Italian seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to help retain crispiness.
