Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken – Page 2

Ingredients for Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and easy chicken dish:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the coating: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Dip the chicken: Pour the milk (or buttermilk) into a shallow dish. Dip each chicken breast into the milk, coating both sides, and then press it into the Ritz cracker mixture. Press down firmly to ensure an even coating. Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
Add the butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the coated chicken breasts. This step adds richness and helps the crackers achieve a beautiful golden brown crisp as they bake.
Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the cracker coating is golden brown and crispy. Thinner chicken breasts may cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Crushing the crackers: To easily crush the Ritz crackers, place them in a sealed zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. For extra fine crumbs, you can use a food processor.
Use buttermilk for extra tenderness: If you have buttermilk on hand, it’s a great option for dipping the chicken. It tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
Don’t skip the butter: The melted butter is key to achieving that golden, crispy crust. You can brush the butter on with a pastry brush or drizzle it over the chicken for even coverage.
Parmesan for flavor: While optional, adding Parmesan cheese to the cracker mixture gives the chicken a deeper flavor and complements the buttery crackers.
Even coating: For the crispiest results, make sure to press the cracker crumbs firmly onto the chicken, ensuring that every part of the chicken is covered.

Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken makes for fantastic leftovers, and it’s easy to store and reheat:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked chicken for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap each chicken breast individually in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: To maintain the crispiness, reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few options to complete your meal:

Mashed potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy side.
Green salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.
Mac and cheese: For a comforting, indulgent meal, pair this crispy chicken with a side of creamy mac and cheese.
Rice pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf or simple buttered rice makes a great base for this dish.