Name: Ritz Cracker Chicken: The Crispiest, Easiest Recipe You'll Ever Make
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 36 crackers); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/4 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil); Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Ritz Cracker Chicken: Prepare to be amazed by a dish that's both incredibly simple and unbelievably delicious! Forget complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen. This recipe delivers crispy, flavorful chicken that will have everyone begging for seconds. I remember the first time I tasted this; I was at a potluck, and I couldn't believe something so easy could taste so good. It's been a family favorite ever since.

While not steeped in ancient history, Ritz Cracker Chicken holds a special place in the hearts of home cooks everywhere. It represents resourceful cooking at its finest, transforming humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. The beauty of this dish lies in its ingenious use of Ritz crackers, those buttery, slightly salty delights that add an irresistible crunch to the chicken.

People adore this recipe for several reasons. First, the taste is phenomenal – the buttery, salty coating perfectly complements the juicy chicken. Second, the texture is divine – the crispy exterior gives way to tender, moist chicken inside. Finally, it's incredibly convenient. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour. So, if you're looking for a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make chicken dish, look no further than this fantastic Ritz Cracker Chicken recipe!

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 36 crackers)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Ritz Cracker Coating

Okay, let's get started with the most important part – the crunchy, flavorful Ritz cracker coating! This is what makes this chicken so incredibly delicious.

Crush the Ritz Crackers: The first step is to crush those Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. You have a few options here. You can use a food processor for a quick and even crush – just pulse them a few times until they're finely ground. If you don't have a food processor, no worries! Simply place the crackers in a large zip-top bag, seal it tightly, and use a rolling pin or even the bottom of a heavy pan to crush them. Make sure you get them nice and fine; larger pieces won't adhere to the chicken as well.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together really well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed. This is where all the flavor comes from, so don't skimp on the mixing! The flour helps the coating stick to the chicken, and the Parmesan adds a lovely cheesy note.

Preparing the Chicken

Now, let's get the chicken ready for its Ritz cracker makeover. Proper preparation here is key for even cooking and maximum flavor.

Prepare the Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are very thick (more than about 3/4 inch), I recommend pounding them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly. To do this, place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap (or in a zip-top bag) and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they're about 1/2 inch thick. This also tenderizes the chicken.
Cut into Serving Sizes (Optional): You can either leave the chicken breasts whole or cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces, like chicken tenders or cutlets. This is totally up to you and depends on how you want to serve the chicken. If you're making chicken sandwiches, smaller cutlets might be ideal.
Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This egg wash will act as the "glue" that helps the Ritz cracker coating stick to the chicken. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated with the milk for a smooth consistency.

Coating the Chicken

This is where the magic happens! Getting a good, even coating is essential for that crispy, golden-brown finish we're after.

Dredge in Flour: Lightly dredge each piece of chicken in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This helps the egg wash adhere better to the chicken. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with a thin layer of flour.
Dip in Egg Wash: Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg wash, making sure it's fully coated. Let any excess egg wash drip off before moving on to the next step.
Coat with Ritz Cracker Mixture: Now, generously coat each chicken piece with the Ritz cracker mixture, pressing the crumbs gently onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well. Make sure the entire surface of the chicken is covered with the cracker mixture. This is where you get that amazing crunch!
Place on a Plate or Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken pieces on a clean plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Cooking the Chicken

There are a couple of ways to cook this Ritz cracker chicken: pan-frying or baking. I'll give you instructions for both, so you can choose your preferred method.

Pan-Frying Instructions

Pan-frying gives you a beautifully golden-brown and crispy crust. It's a bit quicker than baking, but requires a little more attention.

Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sizzle when you add the chicken, but not so hot that it burns the coating.
Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
Remove and Drain: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps keep the coating crispy.

Baking Instructions

Baking is a healthier option and requires less hands-on attention. It's also great if you're cooking for a crowd.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Arrange Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they're not touching each other.
Drizzle with Oil (Optional): For extra crispiness, you can lightly drizzle the chicken with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
Bake the Chicken: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional): If you want an even crispier coating, you can broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Serving and Enjoying

Now for the best part – enjoying your delicious Ritz cracker chicken! Here are some serving suggestions:

Garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad. It's also great in sandwiches or wraps.
Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or sweet chili sauce.

Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Ritz cracker chicken! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Ritz Cracker Chicken recipe is truly a game-changer, transforming a simple weeknight dinner into something truly special. I know, I know, it sounds almost too good to be true, but trust me, the crispy, buttery, and utterly addictive coating of Ritz crackers elevates ordinary chicken breasts to a whole new level of deliciousness. It's the kind of dish that even the pickiest eaters will devour, and the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and ingredients. Why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible flavor and satisfying crunch, it's the sheer versatility that makes it a winner. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy meal, but it's also elegant enough to serve to guests. The Ritz cracker coating creates a beautiful golden-brown crust that's visually appealing, making it a dish you'll be proud to present. Plus, the recipe is easily adaptable to your own preferences. Looking for serving suggestions? The possibilities are endless! I personally love serving this Ritz Cracker Chicken with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort food meal. A simple salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the chicken perfectly. For a more adventurous twist, try serving it with roasted sweet potatoes and a side of cranberry sauce. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the tartness of the cranberry sauce create a delightful contrast to the savory chicken. And speaking of variations, don't be afraid to experiment! You can add different herbs and spices to the Ritz cracker mixture to customize the flavor to your liking. A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika can add a subtle depth of flavor. For a spicier kick, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes. You can also use different types of cheese in the coating. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or shredded cheddar cheese can add a cheesy and savory element. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat Ritz crackers or even gluten-free crackers. You can also bake the chicken instead of frying it to reduce the fat content. Simply bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown. Another fun variation is to use different cuts of chicken. While I typically use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can also use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even a whole chicken cut into pieces. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. I'm so confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (or get your skillet ready), and prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness of this Ritz Cracker Chicken. I can't wait to hear about your experience! Once you've tried this recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and what you served it with. I'm always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I love hearing from my readers. Happy cooking!