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