Ritz Cracker Chicken is the ultimate comfort food classic with a modern twist. This easy baked chicken dish features juicy chicken breasts coated in a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker and Parmesan crust. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner that comes together quickly with minimal ingredients, yet delivers maximum flavor and crunch. The golden coating adds a rich, savory note that pairs beautifully with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a fresh salad.
What makes this dish shine is its simplicity and versatility. You can prep it ahead, adjust the seasoning to your taste, or even swap in chicken thighs for extra juiciness. There’s no need for complicated frying techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just pantry staples and a hot oven. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or looking for a quick comfort meal after a long day, Ritz Cracker Chicken is bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 eggs, beaten
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1/4 cup milk
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1/2 cup melted butter
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
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Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the cracker mixture, pressing to adhere.
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Place chicken in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the coated chicken breasts.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crisp.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 470 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Everyone Loves Ritz Cracker Chicken – A Comfort Food Classic Reimagined
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dinner recipe that delivers on both flavor and texture, Ritz Cracker Chicken checks all the boxes. This beloved dish takes humble ingredients and transforms them into something irresistibly golden, crunchy, and mouthwateringly delicious. Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner in the kitchen, or someone just craving some good old comfort food, this recipe offers a perfect combination of simplicity and satisfaction.
A Bit of History Behind Ritz Cracker Chicken
While the exact origin of Ritz Cracker Chicken isn’t well documented, it’s safe to say this recipe was born out of American home-cooking creativity. It likely gained popularity in the mid-to-late 20th century when boxed convenience foods like Ritz crackers became pantry staples. Home cooks were constantly finding inventive ways to repurpose everyday items, and using crushed buttery crackers as a coating for chicken quickly became a hit.
Ritz crackers, known for their slightly sweet, rich, and buttery flavor, add something special that breadcrumbs simply can’t replicate. Combined with melted butter and a few spices, they create the ultimate crispy coating without the need for deep frying.
Why This Recipe is So Popular
There are a few key reasons why Ritz Cracker Chicken continues to stand the test of time in kitchens across the country:
1. Incredibly Easy to Make
No marinating, no breading stations with flour and complicated batters—this recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Just dip the chicken in an egg and milk mixture, coat with crushed crackers and seasoning, drizzle with butter, and bake. It’s a foolproof process even for beginner cooks.
2. Ingredients You Already Have
This recipe doesn’t require a special grocery trip. With pantry staples like crackers, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and butter, you can whip up a delicious dinner with minimal effort.
3. Versatile and Customizable
Want to add a little spice? Toss in some cayenne or hot paprika. Looking for a little herbaceous flavor? Mix in dried thyme or Italian seasoning. You can even substitute chicken thighs or tenders for variety. This dish is easy to tailor to your family’s tastes.
4. Kid-Friendly
If you have picky eaters at home, this recipe is a game changer. The crispy, buttery crust is reminiscent of chicken nuggets or fried chicken tenders, making it a hit with kids while still being wholesome enough for adults.
5. Healthier Than Fried
Baking the chicken instead of frying significantly reduces oil content, making this recipe a healthier alternative to fried chicken without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Flavor Profile: What to Expect
Ritz Cracker Chicken is all about contrast and balance. The outside is beautifully crisp and golden, thanks to the crushed cracker and butter combo, while the inside remains tender, juicy, and flavorful. The Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty depth, while the garlic and onion powders bring savory warmth.
The melted butter not only helps the coating crisp up in the oven but also infuses the entire dish with a richness that elevates the flavor. It’s comfort food at its best—simple, satisfying, and just indulgent enough.
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Chicken
This dish is extremely versatile when it comes to sides and presentation. Here are a few great ideas for turning this into a complete meal:
- Classic Comfort Plate: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a traditional homestyle dinner.
- Lighter Option: Pair with a fresh green salad and roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
- Southern Style: Add a side of mac and cheese and buttered corn for a soul-satisfying Southern spread.
- Kid-Friendly Meal: Cut the chicken into strips before coating and baking to create homemade chicken tenders. Serve with a side of ketchup or honey mustard.
You can also slice up leftover chicken and add it to wraps or sandwiches for next-day lunches. It reheats well in the oven or air fryer, retaining much of its crispiness.
Tips for Perfect Ritz Cracker Chicken Every Time
Here are a few pro tips to get the best results every time you make this dish:
- Crush the Crackers Finely: Use a food processor or place the crackers in a zip-top bag and roll over them with a rolling pin. Finer crumbs stick better and create a more uniform crust.
- Use Boneless, Evenly Sized Chicken Pieces: For even cooking, try to use chicken breasts that are the same thickness. If needed, pound them gently to ensure uniformity.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: The melted butter is key to achieving that golden, crispy finish. You can drizzle it over the top or dip the chicken in it before placing it on the baking dish.
- Line Your Baking Dish: Use parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Nutritional Benefits (When Eaten in Moderation)
While this dish is more indulgent than a grilled chicken salad, it’s still a great homemade alternative to processed fast food or deep-fried chicken. Baked instead of fried, this recipe cuts down on trans fats. The protein-rich chicken breast provides lean energy, and the portion size is easy to manage for calorie-conscious eaters.
To make it even lighter, you can:
- Use reduced-fat or plant-based butter
- Substitute part of the cracker crumbs with crushed whole wheat cereal or panko
- Opt for reduced-sodium Parmesan
What Readers Say
Many home cooks and food bloggers alike rave about how this recipe has become a staple in their weekly meal rotation. From busy moms to newlyweds learning to cook together, Ritz Cracker Chicken earns high praise for being foolproof and crave-worthy.
Some popular feedback includes:
- “Tastes just like grandma’s Sunday dinner.”
- “Finally, a chicken recipe my kids ask for every week!”
- “I made this for guests and everyone thought it was fried—it’s that crispy.”
Final Thoughts
Ritz Cracker Chicken may not be the most gourmet recipe out there, but it’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something special. It delivers nostalgia, comfort, and flavor in every bite—and that’s something no fancy technique can replace. With its short ingredient list and long list of benefits, this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
Whether you’re making dinner for a hungry family or just cooking for one, Ritz Cracker Chicken is a timeless meal that always hits the spot. Golden, buttery, crispy, and easy—it’s everything a great chicken dinner should be.
Conclusion
Ritz Cracker Chicken is more than just a simple baked chicken dish—it’s a comforting, flavorful meal that brings joy to the dinner table with minimal effort. Its buttery, golden crust and juicy interior make it a family favorite that never goes out of style. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a cozy weekend meal, or introducing kids to home-cooked goodness, this recipe is always a winner. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and a little oven magic, you’ll have a satisfying dish that’s sure to become part of your regular recipe rotation. Give it a try, and discover why so many home cooks love coming back to this easy, crispy classic.