Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This initial step is crucial as a hot oven will help achieve that perfect crispy crust on the chicken.
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil and spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. This mixture not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken juicy.
In another bowl, add 30 crushed Ritz crackers, ¼ cup parmesan cheese, and 2 teaspoons dried basil. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they're well combined for an even coating.
Dredge each of the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in the mayonnaise mixture, making sure they are well coated. This helps the cracker mixture adhere better.
Next, coat the chicken in the Ritz cracker mixture. Press down gently to ensure the coating sticks well. You want a good layer of the crunchy topping!
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced apart to allow air to circulate and cook evenly.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked throughout and no longer pink. This could vary slightly based on your oven; don’t hesitate to check it a bit earlier if you’re concerned.
Once done, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
Finally, serve your Ritz Parmesan Chicken hot and enjoy the delightful crunch paired with the tender chicken!
