Description
Ritz Cracker Chicken is a simple yet flavorful baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in buttery crushed Ritz crackers and topped with melted cheese. This recipe delivers a crispy, cheesy, and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed dinners, with customizable options for spice, herbs, and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating
- 2 cups Ritz Crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Cheese
- 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or cheese blend
Optional Variations
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for heat
- 1 tablespoon fresh or dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
- Mozzarella or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar
- Low-carb alternative: crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of crackers
- Vegetables: finely chopped spinach or cooked mushrooms
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the cracker coating adhere better.
- Crush the Ritz Crackers: Place the Ritz crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or pulse them in a food processor until they reach a coarse crumb texture.
- Mix the Crunchy Coating: In a bowl, combine the crushed crackers with melted butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Stir until all crumbs are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over each piece, then firmly press the buttery cracker mixture on top, covering the cheese completely.
- Bake Until Golden and Juicy: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in the juices before serving.
Notes
- Even Coating: Press cracker mixture firmly on chicken to ensure crunchy texture in every bite.
- Don’t Overcook: Bake just until chicken is cooked to keep it juicy and tender.
- Use Fresh Crackers: Fresh Ritz crackers provide the best crispiness for the topping.
- Cheese Placement: Layer cheese under cracker crust to help crumbs stick and provide melty richness.
- Reheat Properly: To keep the topping crisp, reheat leftovers in an oven or toaster oven instead of microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg