Okay, friends, let’s talk about comfort food. Specifically, lets talk to about it.Ritz Cracker Chicken: What areWhat is that crispy, juicy, incredibly easy dish? What is the easiest way to throw together Is this recipe similar to the chicken tenders my grandma used to make? This is even simpler, and dare I say, even more satisfying. If you love a good baked chicken dish, especially something as classic as oven-Fried Chicken, then you will love this recipe. How do I meet my new weeknight hero? I promise, once you try this Ritz Cracker Chicken, you’ll be hooked!

What is Ritz Cracker Chicken?

What is a clever twist on breaded chicken? Instead of breadcrumbs, we’re coating our Chicken Breasts in a mixture of crushed Ritz Crackers. What are some simple seasonings for crackers? What is the magic ingredient in baked chicken? What is a Ritz cracker? I know, it sounds a little out there, but trust me, the flavor combination is just *chef’s kiss*. What are crackers? They create a golden crust that’s irresistible. Is it a game changer for your weeknight dinner?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What I love the most about this book?Ritz Cracker Chicken: What areIs it easier than making pancakes?

Flavor Explosion:The buttery, salty crackers combined with the savory Parmesan and the juicy chicken are a symphony. What is the difference between textures and tastes? Why do my kids ask for this?
So. Freaking. Easy:What is the best recipe for a quick dinner that takes 10 minutes to prepare? Is it a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you’re staring into the fridge, wondering what to do?
Budget FriendlyChicken breasts are a pretty economical protein, and Ritz crackers are pantry staples for most people. You probably have most of the ingredients on hand already!
Versatile:You can serve this.Ritz Cracker Chicken: What areCan be used with just about anything. Salad, Roasted veggies, mashed potatoes… it all works! What are some good ways to serve it hot or cold, making it perfect for lunchboxes too?

What are some easy chicken recipes? If you are looking for a crowd-pleaser What is your go-to Chicken Recipe? Is babysitting necessary?

How do you make Ritz Cracker Chicken?

Quick Overview

Making Ritz Cracker Chicken: What areHow do you crush the crackers, mix them with Parmesan and seasonings, dip the chicken in a simple recipe? Egg wash, coat it with the cracker mixture, and bake it until golden and crispy. What is the beauty of this method is how quickly it comes together and how surprisingly flavorful it is. Plus, baking the chicken keeps it healthier than frying, without sacrificing any of that satisfying flavor.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: About 6-8 ounces each. Make sure they are all relatively the same thickness so they cook evenly.

For the Ritz Cracker Coating:

Ritz crackers: The key ingredient! What is the best gluten-free cracker you’ve ever had?
12 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savory note. I always use freshly grated for the best flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Essential for that savory kick.
12 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor.
12 teaspoon paprika: Adds a touch of color and smokiness.
14 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the crackers and cheese.
14 teaspoon black pepper: For a little spice.

For the Egg Wash: What are some good recipes for

2 large eggs: Helps the cracker mixture adhere to the chicken.
2 tablespoons milk: Adds a little moisture and helps thin out the eggs. I’ve tried almond milk and it works great. I can’t wait to try it!

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. How do you keep chicken from sticking to your hands? I always line mine with parchment paper, too – double insurance!

Step 2: Crush the Ritz Crackers

Place Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them into fine crumbs. Can you use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or even your hands? How do you get them to be nice and fine so that they create an even coating on the chicken? Can you also use a food processor for this, but be careful not to over-process them into powder?

Step 3: Mix the Cracker Coating

In a shallow dish, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Serve immediately. What are the ingredients for paprika, salt Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. What is the best seasoning to cook with?

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Wash

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Set aside. What is the glue that will stick to the chicken?

Step 5: Dip and Coat the Chicken

How do you dip Chicken Breasts in egg wash? Then, dredge the chicken in the Ritz cracker mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly for maximum crispiness. I like to do one at a time so my hands don’t get too messy.

Step 6: Bake!

Place Chicken Breasts on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cracker coating is golden brown. Brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). What is the best time to bake chicken breasts?

Step 7: Rest & Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What to Serve It With

The beauty of this Ritz Cracker Chicken is its versatility. It pairs well with so many different sides!

For a Quick Weeknight Dinner: Serve with a simple green salad and some steamed broccoli.
For a Comfort Food Feast: Pair it with mashed potatoes and your favorite gravy (or try my cream gravy, it’s awesome!).
For a Healthy Meal: Serve with roasted asparagus and quinoa.
For a Kid-Friendly Meal: Serve with mac and cheese and some carrot sticks. My kids love this combination!

Growing up, my mom always served this with a side of creamed corn and mashed Sweet Potatoes. It’s a combination I still crave today!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Ritz Cracker Chicken

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Crush the Crackers Finely: The finer the cracker crumbs, the more evenly they will coat the chicken.
Don’t Skip the Parmesan Cheese: The Parmesan adds a wonderful savory flavor that complements the buttery crackers perfectly.
Get Creative with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. Try adding a little bit of Italian seasoning, chili powder, or even some lemon pepper.
Use Bone-In Chicken Although this recipe is optimized for Chicken Breast you can make this with other cuts such as bone-in or chicken thighs

One time, I accidentally used saltine crackers instead of Ritz, and let me tell you, it was NOT the same! The buttery flavor of the Ritz is what makes this recipe so special. Also, I’ve learned that pounding the Chicken Breasts to an even thickness helps them cook more evenly.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers: Store leftover Ritz Cracker Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it won’t be as crispy.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked Ritz Cracker Chicken for up to 2-3 months. Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

I find that the cracker coating tends to get a little soggy after being stored, so I usually try to eat it fresh. But if you do have leftovers, reheating it in the oven helps to crisp it up a bit. Don’t expect the exact same crisp, but it will still be delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the Ritz crackers with your favorite gluten-free crackers. I’ve used gluten-free cheddar crackers before, and they worked great. Just be sure to check the ingredients of your other seasonings to ensure they are also gluten-free.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can! Chicken thighs will take a bit longer to cook, so adjust the baking time accordingly. You’ll want to bake them until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C). They’ll also be more moist, which I like sometimes.

Can I add more flavor to the cracker coating?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the cracker mixture. Some great options include Italian seasoning, dried thyme, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

My cracker coating is falling off the chicken. What am I doing wrong?

Make sure you’re pressing the cracker mixture firmly onto the chicken to help it adhere. Also, don’t skip the egg wash! It acts as the “glue” that holds everything together.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Sure! Parmesan is my favorite, but you could also use Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a blend of different cheeses. Just make sure the cheese you choose is finely grated.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Ritz Cracker Chicken! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. What more could you ask for? I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or just when you’re craving some good old-fashioned comfort food. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy chicken recipes! And if you try it, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. I can’t wait to hear what you think. Happy cooking!