Ritz Cracker Chicken: Crispy, Golden, and Irresistibly Delicious! 🍗✨🥘
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a quick, easy, and absolutely mouthwatering chicken recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds, look no further than this incredible Ritz Cracker Chicken! This beloved dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a crispy, golden Ritz cracker crust that delivers an irresistible buttery flavor in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast, yet impressive enough for weekend gatherings with friends and family. The best part? It requires just a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal that will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation.
2. Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to create this flavorful dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – most of these items are pantry staples that you likely already have on hand. If you’re looking for more delicious chicken recipes, check out this collection of Ritz cracker chicken variations for additional inspiration.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
2 large eggs, beaten (you can add 1 tbsp water to thin slightly)
1/4 cup melted butter (unsalted is best to control sodium)
Optional additions: 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne for heat
3. Instructions
Step 1: Crush the Ritz Crackers
The first step to achieving that perfect crispy coating is properly preparing your Ritz cracker crumbs. There are several methods you can use:
Bag method: Place the Ritz crackers in a large resealable plastic bag (double bagging helps prevent tears) and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. This is great for getting out any kitchen frustrations!
Food processor method: For a more uniform texture, pulse the crackers in a food processor until you achieve fine crumbs with some small pieces remaining for texture.
Hand-crushing method: If you don’t have either tool, simply place crackers between sheets of parchment paper and crush with a heavy pan or can.
Transfer the crumbs to a shallow bowl or pie plate and mix in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The Parmesan adds a wonderful umami flavor that complements the buttery crackers perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
For best results, start with chicken breasts that are of even thickness. Here’s how to prepare them:
Place chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and more tender results.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels – this helps the coating stick better.
Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. Some cooks like to add a tablespoon of water or milk to thin the eggs slightly for easier coating.
Step 3: Coat with Ritz Cracker Mixture
Now comes the fun part – creating that delicious crispy coating! Follow these steps for perfect coverage:
Working with one piece at a time, dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
Transfer immediately to the cracker mixture, pressing firmly to adhere crumbs to all surfaces.
For extra crispiness, flip and press again, ensuring complete coverage.
Place on a plate or wire rack while you coat remaining pieces.
Pro tip: Use one hand for wet ingredients (eggs) and one for dry (cracker mix) to avoid “glue fingers” syndrome!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare your baking dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Arrange coated chicken breasts in the dish, leaving space between each piece.
Drizzle evenly with melted butter – this helps achieve that beautiful golden color.
For extra insurance against sticking, you can place the chicken on a wire rack set inside the baking dish.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy. The exact time may vary based on your oven and chicken thickness, so use a meat thermometer for best results.
4. Tips for the Best Ritz Cracker Chicken
After making this recipe countless times, I’ve discovered several tricks to take your Ritz Cracker Chicken from good to absolutely amazing:
Use fresh Ritz crackers – Stale crackers won’t provide the same buttery flavor or crisp texture.
Double coat for extra crunch – After the first egg and crumb coating, repeat the process for an even thicker crust.
Let it rest – Allow coated chicken to sit for 5-10 minutes before baking to help the coating adhere better.
Don’t skimp on the butter – The butter drizzle is key to achieving that perfect golden color and rich flavor.
Try different crackers – While Ritz are classic, experiment with other buttery crackers like Club or Town House.
For more family-friendly meal ideas, explore these delicious recipes from MealsMom that pair perfectly with Ritz Cracker Chicken.
5. Serving Suggestions
The beauty of Ritz Cracker Chicken is its versatility – it pairs wonderfully with so many sides! Here are some of our favorite combinations:
Classic comfort: Creamy mashed potatoes and buttered green beans
Lighter option: Quinoa salad and roasted asparagus
Southern style: Cheesy grits and collard greens
Italian twist: Garlic parmesan pasta and roasted tomatoes
Simple and fresh: Lemon rice and steamed broccoli
Don’t forget the sauces! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors beautifully, while a side of honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce adds delicious contrast.
6. Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these creative twists to keep things interesting:
Spicy version: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon chili powder to the cracker mixture
Cheesy delight: Mix 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the cracker crumbs
Herb-infused: Add 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, dill, or rosemary
Air fryer method: Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway (spray with oil first)
Chicken tenders: Cut breasts into strips before coating for kid-friendly fingers
Parmesan crusted: Increase Parmesan to 3/4 cup for a stronger cheese flavor
7. Storage and Reheating
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, here’s how to handle leftovers:
Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezing: Freeze before baking – coat chicken, place on parchment-lined tray to freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The microwave will make the coating soggy.
Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the coated chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking
8. Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
While this isn’t diet food, it’s certainly a delicious occasional treat. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
Calories: 320
Protein: 28g (excellent source)
Carbohydrates: 12g (mostly from the crackers)
Fat: 18g (includes 8g saturated fat)
Sodium: 480mg (about 20% daily value)
Calcium: 15% DV (from the Parmesan)
Healthier modifications: Use whole wheat crackers, reduce butter to 2 tablespoons, or substitute half the crackers with panko breadcrumbs.
9. Conclusion
Ritz Cracker Chicken is truly one of those magical recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of the buttery, crispy coating with juicy, tender chicken creates a texture and taste sensation that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, hosting a casual dinner party, or just craving some good old-fashioned comfort food, this recipe won’t disappoint. It’s stood the test of time for good reason – simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary. So next time you’re staring at that box of Ritz crackers in your pantry, don’t just think snacks – think dinner! Give this recipe a try and prepare to add a new favorite to your regular meal rotation. Happy cooking! 🍽️✨
2 large eggs, beaten (you can add 1 tbsp water to thin slightly)
1/4 cup melted butter (unsalted is best to control sodium)
Optional additions: 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne for heat
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk. In another shallow bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
Dip each chicken breast into the buttermilk, ensuring it is fully coated.
Press the buttermilk-coated chicken into the cracker mixture, covering all sides thoroughly.
Place the coated chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the chicken breasts.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cracker mixture.
Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
