Ritz Cracker Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that features tender chicken breasts coated in crushed Ritz crackers, then baked to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a comforting family meal. Here’s how to prepare it!
Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional for moisture)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- If desired, lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for more uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Make the Coating:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Coat the Chicken:
- If using mayonnaise, spread a thin layer on each chicken breast to help the cracker coating stick. Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, then coat thoroughly with the Ritz cracker mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake:
- Place the coated chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Drizzle any remaining melted butter over the top for added flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The coating should be golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy!
This Ritz Cracker Chicken is flavorful, crispy, and sure to please both kids and adults alike. It’s an easy recipe that makes dinner feel special without requiring a lot of time or effort!