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Ritz Cracker Chicken

Ritz Cracker Chicken
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Ritz Cracker Chicken is a quick and easy baked dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a golden, crispy crust made from crushed Ritz crackers mixed with savory seasonings. This flavorful and moist chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, delivering a crunchy texture and delicious taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cracker Coating

  • 2 cups Ritz crackers, finely crushed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme (optional)
  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional for cheesy crust)

Other

  • ¼ cup butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cracker Coating: Crush the Ritz crackers finely using a food processor or rolling pin until coarse crumbs form. In a bowl, mix the crushed crackers with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs or Parmesan cheese to create a flavorful breading blend.
  2. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Lightly season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Brush melted butter generously over one side of each chicken breast. Press the buttered side firmly into the cracker mixture so the crumbs adhere evenly and form a crispy crust.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, crumb side up. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve hot with your favorite sides and optional garnishes such as lemon juice, chopped parsley, or lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Use a food processor or rolling pin to crush crackers uniformly for better coating adherence.
  • Do not skip the melted butter on chicken; it is essential for browning and crispiness.
  • Make sure the chicken surface is dry before seasoning and coating to prevent sogginess.
  • Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee proper cooking.
  • Letting the chicken rest post-baking helps retain moisture and tenderness.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with melted coconut oil or dairy-free margarine.
  • For gluten-free options, use gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts instead of Ritz crackers.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ritz Cracker Chicken, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken, family dinner, quick chicken, gluten-free chicken option

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/ritz-cracker-chicken/