Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe: A Crispy, Buttery Classic Your Family Will Crave

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Introduction

If there’s one dish that manages to blend simplicity, comfort, and irresistible flavor in every bite, it’s Ritz Cracker Chicken. This recipe turns humble ingredients into something truly special — think juicy, tender chicken breasts wrapped in a blanket of golden, buttery Ritz cracker crumbs. It’s the kind of nostalgic meal that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss, yet it’s comforting enough to serve on cozy Sundays or casual family dinners. You get crunch, savory notes, and melt-in-your-mouth texture all in one bite — and best of all, it’s ready in under an hour.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to create this mouthwatering meal — from detailed ingredient lists and step-by-step instructions to pro tips, storage info, and serving suggestions. Let’s dive in.

 Why You’ll Love Ritz Cracker Chicken

  • Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and common pantry ingredients, you’ll have dinner ready in 45 minutes.

  • Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters go for the buttery crunch of Ritz crackers.

  • Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for busy nights.

  • Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or even cheese to suit your tastes.

 Ingredients (US Measurements)

To make four generous servings of Ritz Cracker Chicken, here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers (about 1 cup), crushed into fine crumbs

  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

  • ⅓ cup (about 5 tbsp) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

 Tools You’ll Need

  • 3 shallow bowls (for egg and crumb dredging)

  • 9×13 inch baking dish

  • Meat mallet (optional, for even chicken thickness)

  • Knife and cutting board

  • Oven and oven mitts

  • Food thermometer (for doneness check)

 Step-by-Step Directions

Stage 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and gives you time to prep while it heats.

Stage 2: Prepare the Cracker Coating

  • In a bowl, crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs.

  • Mix in garlic salt, black pepper, and optional Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Stage 3: Beat the Eggs

In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs until smooth.

Stage 4: Prep the Chicken

  • Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

  • If your chicken breasts are especially thick, pound them slightly using a meat mallet for even cooking.

Stage 5: Coat the Chicken

  • Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs.

  • Then coat thoroughly with the cracker crumb mixture. Press firmly to help the crumbs adhere well.

Stage 6: Arrange and Top with Butter

  • Place the coated chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch glass baking dish.

  • Evenly distribute the butter cubes over and around the chicken.

Stage 7: Bake

  • Bake for 30–35 minutes.

  • Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

  • For extra crispiness, broil on high for 2–3 minutes at the end.

 Prep and Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

  • Total Time: 45–50 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Calories: Approx. 400 kcal per serving

 Optional Add-Ons & Variations

This basic version is beloved, but feel free to experiment:

  • Add Parmesan cheese to the cracker mix for extra umami.

  • Spice it up with smoked paprika or cayenne.

  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free buttery crackers.

  • Add herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme for a fresh note.

 Serving Suggestions

Ritz Cracker Chicken is super versatile. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it:

Comfort Meal Combo

  • Mashed potatoes

  • Green beans or steamed broccoli

  • A creamy side like mac & cheese

Light & Fresh

  • Over a bed of mixed greens with vinaigrette

  • Serve with a quinoa salad and citrus dressing

Southern-Inspired

  • Corn on the cob

  • Sweet potato fries

  • Buttermilk biscuits

 How to Store and Reheat

Storage:

  • Let the chicken cool completely.

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

  • Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to maintain crispiness.

  • Microwave is quicker but softens the crust.

Freezing:

  • Freeze fully cooked chicken individually wrapped in foil or plastic wrap.

  • Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.

 Pro Tips

  • Use fresh Ritz crackers for the best buttery flavor.

  • Press crumbs firmly into the chicken for better coverage and crisp.

  • Don’t skip the butter! It melts and crisps the coating beautifully.

  • Try chicken tenders instead of breasts for faster cooking and bite-sized fun.

 Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

  • Calories: 400

  • Protein: 35g

  • Fat: 23g

  • Carbohydrates: 14g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 1g

  • Sodium: 450mg

 What People Love About It

  • “My picky eaters ask for this every week!”

  • “Reminds me of grandma’s Sunday dinners.”

  • “Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—perfection!”

 Final Thoughts

Ritz Cracker Chicken is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly crave-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for kids, guests, or just need a comforting meal for yourself, this recipe checks all the boxes: it’s crispy, buttery, flavorful, and stress-free. Best of all, you probably have everything you need already in your kitchen!

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