Name: Ritz Cracker Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
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

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.

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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.

Golden-brown chicken fillet with crispy Ritz cracker coating on a white plate, garnished with fresh herbs.

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

Overhead view of Ritz Cracker Chicken ingredients on a kitchen counter, including crackers, raw chicken fillets, spices, eggs, and flour.

How to Create Perfect Ritz Cracker Chicken

Preparing the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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.
In a shallow dish, mix the Ritz cracker crumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Set up your breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and the seasoned Ritz cracker mixture in a third.

a kitchen countertop with ingredients for Ritz Cracker Chicken.

Coating the Chicken

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

Baking to Perfection

Drizzle or brush each piece of chicken with melted butter. This will help achieve a golden-brown crust.
Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
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.
For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking time, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Serving

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
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.