Print

Ritz Cracker Chicken

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Ritz Cracker Chicken is an easy baked dinner featuring tender chicken breasts coated with buttery cracker crumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and paprika. The coating bakes until crisp and golden while the chicken stays juicy inside.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
  • 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, about 60 crackers
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Check the thickness of the chicken breasts. If necessary, gently pound them to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch for more consistent cooking.
  3. Place the Ritz crackers in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin until coarse crumbs form, leaving a few larger pieces for texture.
  4. Transfer the cracker crumbs to a shallow dish. Stir in the Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley if using.
  5. Whisk the eggs in a separate shallow dish until well combined.
  6. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg and allow the excess to drip off. Press the chicken firmly into the seasoned cracker mixture until thoroughly coated on both sides.
  7. Arrange the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish or on the baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
  8. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cracker coating.
  9. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the coating is crisp and golden and the thickest part of each chicken breast reaches 165°F (74°C).
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Leaving a mixture of fine crumbs and larger cracker pieces creates a crunchier coating.
  • Chicken breasts with an even thickness cook more consistently and are less likely to dry out.
  • Do not overcrowd the baking dish, as trapped moisture can soften the cracker coating.
  • For extra-cheesy chicken, increase the grated Parmesan in the cracker mixture.
  • For a spicy variation, add cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Chicken tenderloins can replace the chicken breasts, but they will require a shorter baking time.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in an oven or air fryer for the best chance of restoring the crispy coating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/ritz-cracker-chicken-3/