Our Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe: Easy Family Favorite

Crispy, golden chicken breasts coated in a mouthwatering Ritz cracker crust have become a weeknight dinner sensation.

These tender, juicy chicken pieces wrapped in buttery Ritz cracker breading offer a delightful crunch that keeps everyone coming back for more.

The simple yet flavorful recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a crowd-pleasing meal that’s ready in less than an hour.

Crushed crackers create a perfect golden exterior that seals in moisture and adds irresistible texture.

Each bite promises a satisfying blend of crisp coating and succulent meat that will have you reaching for seconds.

This no-fuss dish brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Prepare to experience a chicken recipe that will quickly become a family favorite.

Why Ritz Cracker Chicken Is a Weeknight Hero

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up this deliciously crispy chicken recipe with minimal prep work and simple ingredients that come together effortlessly for a satisfying dinner.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Enjoy the irresistible crunch of Ritz crackers combined with melted cheese, creating a golden, crispy coating that kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Versatile Sauce Option: Elevate the dish with a creamy, homemade sauce that adds rich flavor and moisture, turning ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal that can be customized to suit different tastes.
• Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: Streamline your cooking process with a one-pan baking method that reduces dish washing and makes mealtime preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.

Ingredients for Crunchy Ritz Cracker Chicken

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Juicy and tender meat that forms the heart of this delicious dish.

• Ritz Crackers: Buttery, crispy crackers that create a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds extra flavor and richness.

Liquid Ingredients:

• Egg, Milk: Creamy mixture that helps the coating stick perfectly to the chicken.
• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Smooth and velvety base for the sauce.

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• Salt, Garlic Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the chicken's natural taste.
• Butter: Rich and smooth ingredient that adds depth to the sauce.

How to Bake Crispy Ritz Cracker-Coated Chicken

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C).

Grab a baking pan and give it a quick spritz of nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Breading Wonderland

Grab three shallow dishes for your culinary adventure.

In the first dish, whisk together egg and milk until well combined.

In the second dish, crush those Ritz crackers into delightful crumbs.

Put the shredded cheddar cheese in the third dish.

Step 3: Spice Up the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and garlic pepper over your chicken breasts, giving them a flavor boost that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 4: Dress the Chicken in Deliciousness

Dunk each chicken breast into the egg-milk mixture, making sure it’s completely coated.

Next, press a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese onto the chicken.

Then roll the cheesy chicken through the Ritz cracker crumbs, pressing gently to create a crispy, golden armor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the coated chicken breasts on your prepared baking pan.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and sports a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Whip Up a Creamy Sauce

While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk

Whisk the ingredients until they transform into a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Transfer the crispy, cheesy chicken to plates and drizzle the creamy sauce over the top.

Get ready for a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for a Perfect Crunch on Every Bite

• Use a rolling pin or food processor to create uniform, fine cracker crumbs for maximum crunch and even coating on the chicken.
• Choose a sharp cheddar cheese for more intense flavor and better melting properties that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Place a wire rack on the baking pan to allow air circulation, ensuring the chicken remains crispy on all sides during baking.
• Experiment with different spice blends like ranch seasoning, Italian herbs, or cajun mix to personalize the chicken's flavor profile.
• Use a meat thermometer to accurately confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy meat.

Smart Ways to Store and Reheat Ritz Chicken

• Store leftover Ritz Cracker Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Restore crispiness by placing chicken on a baking sheet at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and ensure even heating.
• For quick reheating, use medium power for 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep the meat moist and prevent rubbery texture.

What to Serve With Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Elevate Ritz Cracker Chicken's Flavor Experience
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and complement the buttery Ritz cracker coating.
• Refresh with Zesty Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and add fresh, tangy notes that enhance the chicken's crispy texture.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or honey-glazed carrots to add color, nutrition, and a slight sweetness that contrasts the savory chicken and creamy sauce.
• Match with Sparkling Apple Cider: Serve a chilled sparkling apple cider to provide a sweet, effervescent drink that cleanses the palate and adds a playful touch to the meal.

Flavor Combos to Try With Ritz Chicken

• Gluten-Free Cracker Swap: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crushed rice crackers or almond flour breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, and use plant-based milk and dairy-free cream of chicken soup.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of crackers, replace milk with heavy cream, and use full-fat cream cheese in the sauce for a lower-carbohydrate meal.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the cracker crumbs for an enhanced flavor profile that adds complexity to the chicken coating.

FAQs

• Why use Ritz crackers for breading?

Ritz crackers provide a buttery, crispy texture that’s more flavorful than traditional breadcrumbs. They create a golden, crunchy coating that adds rich taste and satisfying crunch to the chicken.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar works great, you can experiment with monterey jack, parmesan, or a blend of cheeses. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the chicken’s flavor.

• Is the cream sauce necessary?

The cream sauce is optional but highly recommended. It adds moisture and extra richness to the chicken, enhancing the overall taste and preventing the meat from becoming dry. The sauce brings a creamy, comforting element to the dish.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?

To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The egg wash and cheese layer also help lock in moisture during baking, preventing the chicken from drying out.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 48 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful Ritz Cracker Chicken promises a crispy, golden-brown masterpiece that delivers comfort and crunch in every bite. Crushed crackers create an irresistible coating, making this dish a classic crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (Roasted Vegetable flavor recommended), crushed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg

Seasonings:

• Salt, to taste
• Garlic pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coating a baking pan with nonstick spray.
2. Create three distinct preparation zones: one for egg-milk mixture, another for shredded cheddar cheese, and a third for crushed Ritz crackers.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and garlic pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasoning across the surface.
4. Dredge each chicken piece through the egg-milk blend, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
5. Carefully press shredded cheddar cheese onto the moistened chicken, creating a thin, adherent layer.
6. Gently roll the cheese-covered chicken in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing lightly to form a complete, crispy coating.
7. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking pan, ensuring they do not touch.
8. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
9. Simultaneously prepare the accompanying sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
10. Whisk cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk into the melted butter until the mixture becomes smooth and thoroughly heated.
11. Remove chicken from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
12. Plate the crispy chicken and generously drizzle the warm, creamy sauce over the top before serving.

Notes

• Cracker Selection Matters: Choose buttery Ritz crackers for maximum flavor and crispy texture, ensuring a golden-brown coating that adds delightful crunch.
• Cheese Coverage Technique: Gently press shredded cheese onto chicken before cracker coating to create a delicious melted cheese layer that locks in moisture.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety and perfect doneness.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes to make the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 33 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 505
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg