Ritz Cracker Chicken
Alright, this one’s special. It’s the kind of meal that brings back memories of home-cooked dinners with crispy, golden chicken that you didn’t even know came from just a handful of ingredients.
You’re going to love how easy this is. Just buttery crackers, juicy chicken, and a quick oven bake.
Let’s do this together. Your dinner just got a whole lot better.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you like them juicier)
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1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup melted butter
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Cooking spray or a bit of oil for greasing the baking dish
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with oil or spray.
Step 2: Crush the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag or food processor until they’re fine crumbs.
Step 3: Pour the crumbs into a shallow bowl and mix in the Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Dip each chicken breast in the melted butter, coating it well on both sides.
Step 5: Press the chicken into the cracker mixture, covering it completely and pressing it down so it sticks.
Step 6: Place the coated chicken into the baking dish. Drizzle or brush any leftover butter over the top.
Step 7: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden and crisp.
Step 8: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Don’t skip the butter—it’s what makes the coating stick and taste amazing.
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Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. Give the chicken space to crisp up.
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Don’t use cold chicken. Let it sit out for 15 minutes before coating.
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Don’t overbake. Check with a meat thermometer—165°F is your sweet spot.
Recipe Best Tips
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Use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat—they’re juicy and flavorful.
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Add a pinch of paprika to the cracker mix for a little extra color.
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Want extra crunch? Bake it on a wire rack placed over the pan.
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Crushed cornflakes can work in a pinch if you’re out of Ritz.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a comfort-food plate.
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Slice and stuff into sandwiches with mayo and lettuce.
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Pair with roasted veggies or a simple salad.
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Goes great with mac and cheese for the full cozy meal effect.
Storage and Freezing
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the crust crispy.
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Freeze before baking for a make-ahead meal. Just thaw and bake as usual.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Just reduce the cooking time by about 5–10 minutes.
Q: What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
A: You can use buttery crackers, cornflakes, or even seasoned breadcrumbs.
Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Totally. It’s crispy, buttery, and not spicy—kids love it.
Q: Can I make this in an air fryer?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: Can I add cheese on top?
A: Go for it. A sprinkle of cheddar during the last 5 minutes of baking melts beautifully.
Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: Yep. Bread the chicken and keep it in the fridge up to a day before baking.
Q: What’s the best way to crush the crackers?
A: A zip bag and rolling pin work great. Or blitz them in a food processor for fine crumbs.
Conclusion
This Ritz Cracker Chicken is that kind of no-fuss, always-pleases meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Simple ingredients, big flavor, and so easy to make.
Give it a go and tell me how it turns out. I’d love to hear your twist on it!
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Ritz Cracker Chicken
Juicy baked chicken coated in buttery Ritz cracker crumbs and Parmesan. Crispy, comforting, and ready in about 35 minutes. It’s the kind of dinner you’ll want to put on repeat.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you like them juicier)
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- Cooking spray or a bit of oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with oil or spray.
Step 2: Crush the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag or food processor until they’re fine crumbs.
Step 3: Pour the crumbs into a shallow bowl and mix in the Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Dip each chicken breast in the melted butter, coating it well on both sides.
Step 5: Press the chicken into the cracker mixture, covering it completely and pressing it down so it sticks.
Step 6: Place the coated chicken into the baking dish. Drizzle or brush any leftover butter over the top.
Step 7: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden and crisp.
Step 8: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Swap in thighs if you like darker meat.
- Add herbs or paprika to the coating for extra flavor.
- Serve hot for the best crispiness.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4Amount Per Serving Calories Around 400
