Ritz Cracker Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly simple and requires no fancy ingredients—just chicken, crackers, and a few pantry staples. The buttery Ritz crackers create a golden, crispy crust that makes every bite satisfying. It’s kid-approved, great for meal prep, and pairs well with just about any side dish. Plus, it bakes in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
• Ritz crackers (crushed)
• Eggs
• Milk
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Melted butter

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil.
2. Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
4. In another bowl, combine the crushed crackers with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
5. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then press it into the cracker crumbs, coating evenly on all sides.
6. Place the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle melted butter over the top of each piece for extra crispness.
7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the cracker crumbs for extra flavor.
• Spicy: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a kick.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free butter crackers instead of Ritz.
• Herbed: Add dried parsley, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the cracker coating.
• Baked Nuggets: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for crispy chicken nuggets.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the chicken in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes to maintain crispness.
Microwaving works too but may soften the crust.
Freeze cooked, cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F until hot and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I make the crust extra crispy?

Drizzle melted butter generously and bake uncovered on a wire rack for air circulation.

Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can coat the chicken in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

No marinade is necessary—this recipe is designed to be quick and flavorful without one.

Can I use other crackers?

Absolutely. Try Club crackers or saltines, though Ritz’s buttery flavor is ideal.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze baked or unbaked breaded chicken. Freeze on a tray first, then store in a sealed bag.

Can I air-fry Ritz Cracker Chicken?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.

What sides go well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a simple salad all pair nicely.

What’s the best way to crush the crackers?

Use a food processor or a zip-top bag and a rolling pin to make fine crumbs.

Can I add cheese to the coating?

Yes, adding Parmesan or shredded cheddar to the cracker mixture boosts flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Ritz Cracker Chicken is a crispy, buttery, and comforting meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to please the whole family. With its simple ingredients and easy prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner table.

Ritz Cracker Chicken

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Ritz Cracker Chicken is a quick and easy dinner made with juicy chicken breasts coated in buttery Ritz cracker crumbs. Baked to golden perfection, it’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
• 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 3 tbsp melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a baking dish with foil.
2. Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
4. In another bowl, mix cracker crumbs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
5. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with cracker crumbs.
6. Place coated chicken in the prepared dish. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and crust is golden.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use boneless thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
• For crispier coating, place chicken on a wire rack over the baking pan.
• Parmesan cheese or dried herbs can be added to the cracker mix for more flavor.
• To freeze, wrap individually and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 530mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 145mg