Print

Ritz Cracker Chicken

Ritz Cracker Chicken
Print Recipe

Ritz Cracker Chicken is a quick and easy baked chicken dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs topped with a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker crust and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this recipe combines simple pantry staples to deliver a kid-friendly, delicious meal with irresistible crunch and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Topping

  • 2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Optional Extras

  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Topping: Begin by crushing the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed crackers with melted butter, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Mix well to create an even, buttery coating mixture.
  2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Lightly season both sides of the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to create a flavorful base.
  3. Assemble: Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a baking dish. Generously press the cracker and cheese mixture evenly onto the top of each chicken piece, ensuring the topping adheres well to provide a crispy crust.
  4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled chicken for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C) and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  5. Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to retain juiciness. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a light drizzle of lemon juice before serving warm.

Notes

  • Crush crackers evenly using a food processor or a ziplock bag and rolling pin for consistent crumbs.
  • Don’t skip melted butter in the topping to ensure it crisps perfectly in the oven.
  • Pound chicken to uniform thickness to guarantee even cooking.
  • Use a wire rack inside the baking dish to keep the crust crispy on all sides.
  • Always check the internal temperature of chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ritz Cracker Chicken, crispy chicken, cheesy chicken, baked chicken, quick dinner, family favorite

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