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Ritz Cracker Chicken

Ritz Cracker Chicken
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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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