Ritz Cracker Chicken is one of those wonderfully simple, utterly comforting dishes that feels nostalgic yet never goes out of style. With its buttery, crisp coating and tender, juicy interior, this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort—a combination home cooks always appreciate. The magic lies in the crushed crackers, which transform into a golden, flavorful crust as the chicken bakes. It is also an ideal recipe for busy evenings because it requires only a handful of pantry staples and very little prep time. I once tried replacing the butter drizzle with a touch of olive oil when I ran out, and the result was still delightfully crisp, proving just how accommodating this dish can be. Whether served alongside mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a simple salad, Ritz Cracker Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers a perfect balance of crispy, buttery coating and tender chicken. It uses everyday ingredients, requires minimal prep work, and delivers reliable results every time. Its versatility also makes it easy to pair with any side, turning a simple dinner into something memorable.
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Ritz Cracker Chicken – The Crispy, Golden Weeknight Classic You’ll Want Again and Again
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A simple, crispy, and buttery baked chicken coated in crushed Ritz crackers for a flavorful and tender dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and mix with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheddar cheese if using.
- Pour the milk into one bowl and the melted butter into another.
- Dip each chicken breast into the milk, then into the cracker mixture, pressing to coat.
- Place the coated chicken breasts into the baking dish.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top of the chicken.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
Notes
- Crush crackers more finely for a smoother crust or coarser for extra crunch.
- Add Italian seasoning or ranch seasoning for extra flavor.
- Works great with chicken tenders for quicker cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here because they cook evenly and hold the cracker coating beautifully. Pounding them slightly ensures uniform thickness for perfect browning.
Ritz Crackers
These crackers add a buttery richness and irresistible crunch. Their fine texture allows them to adhere well to the chicken and create a golden crust that stays crisp even after baking.
Eggs
Eggs serve as the binding agent, helping the crushed crackers cling to the chicken. Whisking them well ensures even coating and consistent texture.
Butter
Melted butter drizzled over the chicken promotes browning and enhances flavor. It seeps into the cracker coating, creating that signature rich, crispy finish.
Salt and Pepper
Simple seasonings that elevate the flavor of the chicken without overpowering the buttery crust.
Garlic Powder
Adds subtle depth and complements the savory cracker coating.
Paprika
Gives the chicken a warm color and a mild, smoky note, rounding out the seasoning profile.
Directions
Start by preheating your oven and lightly greasing a baking dish to prevent sticking. Crush the Ritz crackers until fine but still slightly textured. In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In another, combine the cracker crumbs with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage, then press it firmly into the cracker mixture so the coating adheres well. Place the coated chicken in the baking dish. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top; this step helps the crust turn perfectly crisp and golden as it bakes. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is deeply golden, resisting the urge to flip the pieces so the coating remains intact. Allow the chicken to rest briefly before slicing so the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and baking requires around 25–30 minutes, depending on thickness.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to revive crispness. A low oven temperature works best to avoid drying out the chicken.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Crust
Mix finely grated Parmesan into the cracker crumbs for added richness.
Herb-Infused Version
Add dried parsley, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the crumb mixture for aromatic depth.
Spicy Kick
Stir in cayenne pepper or chili powder for a subtle heat that complements the buttery crust.
Yogurt-Coated Option
Swap the egg wash for plain Greek yogurt to create a tangy, tenderizing base before adding crumbs.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
Use gluten-free butter crackers in place of Ritz for a similar texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and remain exceptionally juicy.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
No, the recipe is designed to be quick, but you can salt the chicken early for extra moisture.
Can I crush the crackers in a food processor?
Yes, a few quick pulses work perfectly.
Should I cover the chicken while baking?
No, leaving it uncovered ensures a crisp crust.
Can I air-fry this recipe?
Yes, air-frying yields an even crispier coating with less butter needed.
Why is my crust not sticking?
Make sure the chicken is dry before dipping into eggs, and press crumbs firmly.
Can I add cheese directly to the chicken surface?
It’s better mixed into the crumbs to avoid burning.
Can the recipe be doubled?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish to avoid overcrowding.
How do I know the chicken is done?
It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What sides pair well with this?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad complement it beautifully.
Conclusion
Ritz Cracker Chicken offers nostalgic comfort with a refined, buttery crunch that never disappoints. With its simple preparation, adaptable flavor profile, and satisfying texture, it is a dependable go-to for weeknight dinners and family gatherings alike. Whether prepared in its classic form or customized with herbs or cheese, this dish delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every time.
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