Ritz Cracker Chicken
When I first stumbled upon the idea of making Ritz Cracker Chicken, I was in one of those moods where comfort food called my name. Picture this: a long day winding down, and my cravings leaned toward something crispy and delicious. Did I mention how simple it is? Just a few ingredients come together to create a dish that feels fancy while being perfect for a busy weeknight. It was one of those moments when I realized that sometimes, the best meals are the ones that don’t require hours in the kitchen. The golden crumbs of the Ritz Crackers create a crunchy, buttery coating for succulent chicken, making it irresistible. I knew I had to share this gem.
Recipe Snapshot
35 mins
5 mins
30 mins
Easy
400 kcal
25 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
25 g
Pyrex 3 Quart Glass Baking Dish, Instant-read Thermometer
Why This Ritz Cracker Chicken Is So Good
It’s Incredibly Easy to Prepare
Let’s be honest, we all love a recipe that won’t take ages to prepare, right? The beauty of Ritz Cracker Chicken lies in its straightforwardness. You don’t need to be a culinary genius to whip this up. Just a few dips and a sprinkle of seasoning, and you’re on your way to a delightful dinner.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish fits right in. It has this comforting, homey vibe that makes it feel special, but it’s not so fancy that you’ll stress over serving it. This is the kind of meal that gets everyone enjoying the dinner table together.
Kid-Approved
If you’ve got picky eaters at home, don’t worry! The crispy coating of Ritz Crackers is almost universally loved by kids. It’s like they can’t resist the crunch! You’ll find yourself making this more often than you might think just to keep the little ones happy.
Minimal Clean-Up
I think we can all agree that one of the biggest downsides to cooking can be the mess left behind. Luckily, making Ritz Cracker Chicken doesn’t require a ton of dishes, which is a win in my book!
Customizable
Don’t you just love a recipe that you can make your own? Feel free to add in your favorite spices or herbs. You can easily tailor this dish to your taste, making it as unique as you want it to be!
Ritz Cracker Chicken Shopping List
Choosing the right ingredients is crucial when making Ritz Cracker Chicken. Each component works harmoniously to deliver flavor and texture. The star here is undoubtedly the Ritz Crackers, which provide that irresistible crunchy coating. Pairing that with juicy chicken and a few spices creates a meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor.
- 2 large eggs – Beaten for a rich coating that helps the crumbs stick.
- 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers – Crushed into crumbs for that signature buttery crunch.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt – Adds essential savory flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – For a touch of warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Optional, but enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves – The main protein that absorbs all those delightful flavors.
- â…“ cup butter – Cut into cubes and placed around the chicken for added richness.
Recipe Steps for Ritz Cracker Chicken
Let’s get cooking! Making Ritz Cracker Chicken is a breeze. Follow these straightforward steps and you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to impress. Ready? Let’s dive in!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. This is an important step to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and develops that golden color you’re aiming for.
- While the oven is heating, grab two shallow bowls. In one, place the beaten eggs, and in the other, pour out the crushed Ritz Crackers.
- Add garlic salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the bowl of cracker crumbs. Mix them well with a fork to combine all the flavors.
- Now, take each chicken breast and dip it first into the beaten eggs. Ensure it’s completely coated.
- Next, transfer the chicken to the bowl with the crumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. You want each piece to be thoroughly covered.
- Prepare a 9Ă—13-inch baking dish by arranging the coated chicken breasts in a single layer. This will help them cook evenly.
- Cut the butter into cubes and scatter them around the chicken in the baking dish. This will melt and create a buttery base as it cooks.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F, ensuring your chicken is fully cooked.
- Once done, take the dish out and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken even more flavorful.
- Finally, serve your Ritz Cracker Chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy the compliments!
Things Worth Knowing
- Choose Thin Chicken Breasts: Using thin cutlets ensures even cooking and a faster preparation time.
- Check for Doneness: Always check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer for safety and perfect results.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest before serving will keep it juicy and flavorful.
- Butter Placement: Placing butter around the chicken adds moisture and richness while baking.
Tips and Variations
If you’re looking to make the most out of your Ritz Cracker Chicken, here are some tips to consider:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked chicken for up to a month. Just coat it and place it in the freezer before baking.
- Pairing: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.
- Variations: Feel free to add different seasonings like paprika or cayenne for a kick!
- Make It a Meal: Turn it into a full meal by serving it over rice or pasta, drizzling some sauce on top.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Ritz Cracker Chicken, the options are abundant. Here are some ideas:
- Pair with Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or green beans complement the dish beautifully.
- Perfect for Lunch: Enjoy leftover chicken in a sandwich with fresh lettuce and tomato.
- Seasonal Occasions: Bring this dish to potlucks or family gatherings, and watch it disappear!
- Comfort Meal: Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes for a heartwarming dinner.
- Storage Tips: If you have any leftovers, store them properly to maintain quality!
FAQ
Conclusion
The Ritz Cracker Chicken recipe stands out for its incredible crunch and comforting flavors, making it a true crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to give it a try; it’s an easy dish that packs a flavorful punch, perfect for any occasion. You won’t regret bringing this delicious recipe into your kitchen!
Ritz Cracker Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Place beaten eggs and cracker crumbs into two separate shallow bowls.
- Add garlic salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the cracker crumbs and stir to combine.
- Dip each chicken breast into the eggs and then into the crumb mixture to completely coat the chicken.
- Arrange chicken in a 9Ă—13-inch baking dish and arrange cubes of butter around each breast.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Notes
- Tip 1: Use thin chicken breasts for even cooking.
- Tip 2: Confirm doneness with a thermometer.
- Tip 3: Adapt this recipe to your taste with various spices.
- Tip 4: Store leftovers properly for maximum freshness.
- Tip 5: Freeze uncooked chicken to prepare later.
