If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels both nostalgic and downright irresistible, Ritz Cracker Chicken is about to become your new go-to. Imagine juicy chicken coated in a golden, buttery layer of crushed Ritz crackers—every bite is crunchy, tender, and packed with savory flavor. Best yet, this dish comes together in under an hour, requires minimal prep, and uses pantry basics you probably already have. Whether you’re short on time or just craving some downright comfort food, this recipe’s simplicity and satisfaction make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Amazingly Easy: No complicated steps or fancy gadgets required—just dip, coat, bake, and enjoy.
- Incredible Texture: The cracker crust bakes up golden and crisp while keeping the chicken inside outrageously juicy.
- Family Friendly: Even picky eaters love the mild, buttery crunch. Perfect for little ones as well as grown-up palates.
- Versatile and Forgiving: Works with whatever herbs or seasonings you love, and perfect for using up those last few crackers in the box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to make dinner magic with just a handful of kitchen staples:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Sliced horizontally for even cooking. This ensures super juicy, tender chicken in every bite.
- Ritz Crackers: The star ingredient for a rich, slightly salty, buttery breading. Crush them finely for an even coat!
- Butter: Cubed and dotted around the chicken, this helps the crust crisp beautifully and infuses the whole dish with deep flavor.
- Flour: Gives the chicken a dry base so the egg sticks—don’t skip this first step!
- Eggs: Whisked up to help the crackers cling to the chicken for the perfect coating.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage—not too much, so the buttery coating gets to shine.
- Garlic Powder: Adds just enough subtle, savory warmth without overpowering the Ritz flavor.
Tip: For the best results, make sure your cracker crumbs and flour are well mixed and your eggs thoroughly whisked before you start assembling.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Excited to switch things up? There are so many ways to make this recipe your own:
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add a handful of shredded parmesan or cheddar to the crushed crackers for a richer, more decadent crust.
- Herb Lovers: Mix dried thyme, parsley, or Italian seasoning into the crumb mixture for an herby twist.
- Go Spicy: Kick the flavor up a notch with a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika in the breading.
- Chicken Tenders: Use chicken tenders or even thighs—cook time may need to be adjusted, but the results are equally delicious.
- Gluten-Free: Swap Ritz crackers for your favorite gluten-free buttery cracker—they’ll work just as well!
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Coating Stations
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, salt, and pepper; a second with whisked eggs; and a third with crushed Ritz crackers stirred with garlic powder.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece into the seasoned flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Next, dunk it in the eggs for a sticky layer. Finally, press it firmly into the cracker crumbs so every surface gets a generous crust.
Step 3: Arrange & Butter
Lay the coated chicken in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Dot the butter cubes all around and between the chicken. This step is crucial for that signature golden crunch.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375ºF for 15 minutes. Remove the foil, flip the chicken, cover again, and bake another 15 minutes. Finish by removing the foil completely and baking for another 10 minutes, letting the crust get gorgeously crisp.
Note: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juiciness!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Crush Crackers Evenly: Use a food processor or place crackers in a zip-top bag and roll with a rolling pin for uniform crumbs.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leave a little space around each chicken piece for the best crispy edges.
- Flip with Care: Use a wide spatula and flip gently to keep the crust in place.
- Check Doneness: Chicken should reach 165ºF internally—always a good idea to check with a thermometer!
How to Serve
Ritz Cracker Chicken pairs great with almost anything, but here are some winning combos:
On the Plate
Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, buttered green beans, or a simple side salad.
With a Dip
Try honey mustard, ranch, or a tangy barbecue sauce for dunking—kids especially love this touch.
In a Sandwich
Slice leftovers and stack on a toasted bun with lettuce and tomato for the ultimate crispy chicken sandwich.
Don’t be afraid to get creative—this chicken adapts beautifully to whatever you’re in the mood for!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crust may lose its crunch, but reheating in the oven brings it right back.
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken (fully cooled) wrapped tightly or in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Rewarm in a 350ºF oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
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Can I make Ritz Cracker Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bread the chicken and refrigerate (uncooked) up to a day ahead. When ready, pop it straight into the oven as directed—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
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Can I use other types of crackers?
Yes! Any buttery, flaky cracker will work in place of Ritz. Club crackers or even buttery saltines are tasty options, though each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture.
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What’s the best way to crush the crackers?
For best results, use a food processor for fine, even crumbs. No processor? Place crackers in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or heavy can. A few chunkier bits add irresistible texture!
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Is there a lower-fat way to make this dish?
You can reduce the butter or swap in olive oil for a bit less richness. Spraying the chicken with a little cooking spray instead of dotting with butter also helps lighten it up, but be aware the crust won’t be quite as decadent.
Final Thoughts
Ritz Cracker Chicken is everything a weeknight dinner should be: fast, family-friendly, and so delicious no one will guess how easy it was to make. Give it a try on your busiest night—you’ll be amazed at just how satisfying and fun homemade comfort food can be!
Print
Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Ritz Cracker Chicken is a simple and flavorful baked chicken dish featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker crust. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that comes together quickly with pantry staples, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs, whisked
Main
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut in half horizontally
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
Instructions
- Prepare Oven
Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking when your chicken is coated and prepared. - Prepare Dredging Stations
In one bowl, combine the salt, pepper, and flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs well. In a third bowl, crush the Ritz crackers (either by hand or using a food processor) and mix in the garlic powder. - Coat the Chicken
Start by dipping each chicken breast piece into the seasoned flour and coat evenly. Next, dip the floured chicken into the whisked egg, and finally press it into the Ritz cracker and garlic powder mixture, ensuring every side is well-covered. - Arrange and Add Butter
Place the coated chicken pieces into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter the cubed butter evenly around the chicken for extra flavor and moisture during baking. - Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to lock in moisture and allow the chicken to cook evenly. - Flip and Bake Again
After 15 minutes, take off the foil, flip each chicken piece carefully, and cover again with foil. Continue baking for another 15 minutes. - Finish Uncovered
Remove the foil and bake the chicken uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the Ritz crust to become golden and crispy. Check that the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach at least 165ºF/74°C) before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the crust with oil before the final uncovered bake.
- If using thicker chicken breasts, increase the baking time slightly and check doneness with a meat thermometer.
- You can substitute Ritz crackers with any buttery round cracker.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Add a pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning to the cracker mixture for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
