Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish where tender chicken breasts meet a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this dish is a breeze to make and offers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): 4 (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Garlic powder: ½ tsp
- Onion powder: ½ tsp
For the Coating:
- Ritz crackers: 1 ½ cups (crushed)
- Parmesan cheese (grated): ½ cup
- Dried parsley: 1 tbsp
- Paprika: ½ tsp
- Eggs: 2 (beaten)
- Milk: 2 tbsp
For Baking:
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (melted)
Optional:
- Hot sauce (for seasoning the chicken)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven 🔥
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. - Prepare the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season both sides of each chicken breast with the mixture. - Prepare the Coating 🍘🧀
Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs in a large bowl. Mix in Parmesan, dried parsley, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. - Coat the Chicken
Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then dredge it in the Ritz cracker mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to coat evenly. - Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or brush melted butter over each piece. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden and crispy. - Serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty kick, if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Mess-Free Crumbling: Place Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- Extra Crunch: Spritz the tops with cooking spray before baking.
- Dipping Delight: Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or your favorite sauce for extra flavor.
Recommendations:
Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a side salad for a complete meal. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
Nutrition (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
This Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken is sure to win over the whole family with its delightful crunch and savory flavors!