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.

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.

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!

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.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe

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

Units Scale

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

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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