Ritz Cracker Chicken: A Crispy Twist on Classic Breaded Chicken

Tempting Reasons to Love This Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe

A Nostalgic Upgrade to Breaded Chicken

Remember the comforting taste of breaded chicken from your childhood? Our Ritz Cracker Chicken recipe takes that beloved classic and elevates it to new heights. By swapping traditional breadcrumbs for buttery Ritz crackers, we’ve created a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new.

Irresistible Texture and Flavor

The secret to this Ritz Cracker Chicken lies in its perfectly crispy exterior. As the chicken bakes, the crackers transform into a golden, crunchy crust that’s simply irresistible. But it’s not just about texture – the buttery flavor of Ritz crackers adds a rich, savory note that takes this dish from good to unforgettable.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

In today’s fast-paced world, we all need recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss. This Ritz Cracker Chicken fits the bill perfectly. With just a handful of ingredients and simple preparation steps, you can have a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal on the table in no time. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.

For more quick and easy chicken recipes, check out our perfect chicken cutlets recipe or our thin-sliced chicken breast recipes.

Recipe Quick Facts

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories per serving: 380

What You’ll Need for Ritz Cracker Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 2 sleeves of Ritz crackers (about 60 crackers)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Cooking spray

How to Create Perfect Ritz Cracker Chicken

Preparing the Ingredients

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a food processor, pulse the Ritz crackers until they form fine crumbs. Alternatively, place the crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
  3. In a shallow dish, mix the Ritz cracker crumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Set up your breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and the seasoned Ritz cracker mixture in a third.

Coating the Chicken

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres well.
  2. Dip each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. Next, dip the floured chicken in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
  4. Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly in the Ritz cracker mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere.
  5. Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.

Baking to Perfection

  1. Drizzle or brush each piece of chicken with melted butter. This will help achieve a golden-brown crust.
  2. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
  4. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking time, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Serving

  1. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Pro Tips for Ritz Cracker Chicken

  • For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before coating.
  • To prevent your fingers from getting too messy, use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet ingredients when breading the chicken.
  • For a tangier flavor, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the egg mixture.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Ritz cracker mixture.
  • For a lower-fat option, you can spray the coated chicken with cooking spray instead of drizzling with butter before baking.
  • To make ahead, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.
  • Leftover Ritz Cracker Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g

Delicious Variations to Try

Parmesan Ritz Chicken

Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the Ritz cracker mixture for an extra savory boost. This pairs wonderfully with our classic rotel dip recipe for a complete meal.

Herb-Infused Ritz Chicken

Mix in 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning or a blend of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano to the cracker mixture for an aromatic twist.

Honey Mustard Ritz Chicken

Brush the chicken with a mixture of 2 tablespoons honey and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard before coating in the Ritz mixture for a sweet and tangy flavor profile.

Spicy Buffalo Ritz Chicken

Add 1 tablespoon of buffalo sauce to the egg mixture and serve the baked chicken with a side of blue cheese dressing for a spicy kick. For more spicy chicken ideas, check out our zesty chicken rotel recipe.

Serving Ideas for Ritz Cracker Chicken

  • Classic mashed potatoes: The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the crispy chicken
  • Steamed broccoli: For a pop of color and nutrients
  • Vibrant purple sweet potato: A colorful and nutritious side dish
  • Garden salad: A light, refreshing accompaniment
  • Homemade bubble waffles: For a fun and unique twist on chicken and waffles
  • Honey mustard dipping sauce: Enhances the flavors of the Ritz coating
  • Garlic green beans: A simple yet delicious vegetable side

Why This Ritz Cracker Chicken Will Be Your New Favorite

A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages

This Ritz Cracker Chicken is a hit with both kids and adults alike. The familiar flavors and satisfying crunch make it a dish that everyone at the table will love.

Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this recipe fits the bill. It’s simple enough for everyday meals but impressive enough for special occasions.

A Healthier Take on Fried Chicken

By baking instead of frying, this recipe offers all the flavor and crunch of fried chicken with significantly less oil. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy crispy, delicious chicken.

This Ritz Cracker Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort food reimagined. The familiar taste of Ritz crackers, combined with juicy chicken and a blend of spices, creates a dish that’s both nostalgic and exciting. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest twists on classic recipes can yield the most delicious results.

For more creative chicken dishes, why not try our sizzling chicken hibachi or explore our chicken and shrimp recipes for delightful surf and turf combinations? And if you’re looking to expand your culinary skills, check out this comprehensive guide to chicken cooking methods from The Spruce Eats for more ways to perfect your poultry preparation.

close-up of a slice of Parmesan Ritz Chicken.

Ritz Cracker Chicken

Georgina Smith
This crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken recipe transforms classic breaded chicken into a crunchy, buttery delight. Simple to make, it's perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • Food processor (or ziplock bag and rolling pin for crushing crackers)
  • Shallow dishes (for flour, eggs, and cracker crumbs)
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooking spray
  • Oven
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 2 sleeves of Ritz crackers about 60 crackers
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Cooking spray

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
  • In a shallow dish, combine the Ritz cracker crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Set up a breading station: one dish with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with the seasoned Ritz cracker crumbs.
    a kitchen countertop with ingredients for Ritz Cracker Chicken.
  • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  • Dip each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
    hands coating a pale pink chicken fillet in flour.
  • Finally, coat the chicken in the Ritz cracker mixture, pressing gently to ensure crumbs adhere well.
    hands pressing the egg-coated chicken fillet into the Ritz cracker crumb mixture.
  • Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
    stainless steel baking sheet lined with slightly crinkled parchment paper. In the center fully coated chicken fillet,
  • Drizzle the melted butter over the chicken breasts and lightly spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
    A hand drizzling melted butter over one of the fillets with a pastry brush
  • Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy. Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crunch, if desired.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
    close-up of a slice of Parmesan Ritz Chicken.

Notes

  • For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before coating.
  • Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet ingredients to avoid clumping while breading.
  • For a tangier flavor, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the egg mixture.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Ritz cracker crumbs if you prefer a spicier kick.
  • For a lower-fat version, substitute the melted butter with additional cooking spray before baking.
  • You can bread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  • Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven to maintain crispiness.
Keyword Baked Chicken, Breaded Chicken, crispy chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Ritz Cracker Chicken

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