Ritz Cracker Chicken: The Crispiest, Easiest Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Ritz Cracker Chicken: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly simple yet utterly delicious recipe that transforms ordinary chicken into a crispy, flavorful masterpiece! Forget complicated breading processes and lengthy ingredient lists. This dish is all about maximizing taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with your culinary prowess.

While the exact origins of Ritz Cracker Chicken are shrouded in a bit of mystery, its popularity exploded in the mid-20th century, coinciding with the rise of convenience cooking and the widespread availability of processed foods. The humble Ritz cracker, with its buttery, slightly salty flavor, became a pantry staple, and resourceful home cooks quickly discovered its potential as a fantastic coating for chicken. It offered a delightful alternative to traditional breadcrumbs, adding a unique richness and satisfying crunch.

What makes this dish so universally loved? It’s the irresistible combination of textures and flavors. The juicy, tender chicken is enveloped in a golden-brown, crispy crust that’s both buttery and savory. The slight saltiness of the Ritz crackers perfectly complements the chicken, creating a harmonious balance that tantalizes the taste buds. Plus, let’s be honest, who can resist the satisfying crunch of a perfectly coated piece of chicken? It’s comfort food at its finest, and I can’t wait to share my favorite version with you!

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 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 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 Chicken and Cracker Coating

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to prep our chicken and get that delicious Ritz cracker coating ready. This is where the magic happens!

1. Prepare the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, I recommend pounding them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly. You can do this by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pounding with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Don’t go too crazy; you just want to flatten them a bit. Once pounded, cut each chicken breast into smaller, more manageable pieces, about 2-3 inches in size. This makes them easier to coat and cook.
2. Crush the Ritz Crackers: Now for the star of the show – the Ritz crackers! Place the entire sleeve of Ritz crackers into a large zip-top bag. Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible. Using a rolling pin or your hands, crush the crackers into fine crumbs. You want them to be as fine as possible so they adhere well to the chicken. If you prefer, you can use a food processor to pulse the crackers into crumbs. Just be careful not to over-process them into a powder.
3. Combine the Cracker Coating Ingredients: In a shallow dish or pie plate, combine the crushed Ritz cracker crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly with a fork or whisk until well combined. This ensures that all the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the coating.
4. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This egg wash will help the cracker coating adhere to the chicken. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated with the milk for a smooth consistency.

Coating the Chicken

Now comes the fun part – coating the chicken! This is where we transform those plain chicken pieces into crispy, flavorful bites.

1. Dredge in Flour: Take each piece of chicken and dredge it in the all-purpose flour, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour. The flour helps the egg wash adhere better to the chicken.
2. Dip in Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg wash drip off before moving on to the next step.
3. Coat with Cracker Mixture: Finally, dredge the chicken in the Ritz cracker mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well to all sides. Make sure the chicken is completely covered in the cracker coating. This is what will give it that signature crispy texture and delicious flavor.
4. Place on a Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan and makes for easy cleanup.

Cooking the Ritz Cracker Chicken

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to cook the chicken to golden-brown perfection. You have a couple of options here: baking or pan-frying. I’ll give you instructions for both.

Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Drizzle with Oil: Drizzle the coated chicken pieces with olive oil (or vegetable oil). This helps them get nice and crispy in the oven. You can also use a cooking spray if you prefer.
3. Bake: 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). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
4. Rest: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

Pan-Frying Instructions:

1. Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
2. Cook Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serving and Enjoying Your Ritz Cracker Chicken

Congratulations! You’ve made delicious Ritz Cracker Chicken. Now it’s time to serve it up and enjoy!

1. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the chicken immediately while it’s still hot and crispy.
3. Pairing Suggestions: This Ritz Cracker Chicken is delicious on its own, but it’s also great with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:
   • Mashed potatoes
   • Roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, asparagus)
   • Green salad
   • Mac and cheese
   • Coleslaw
4. Dipping Sauces: Consider serving with your favorite dipping sauces. Some great options include:
   • Honey mustard
   • Ranch dressing
   • Barbecue sauce
   • Ketchup
   • Sweet chili sauce
5. Storage: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Keep in mind that the coating may not be as crispy after reheating.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Ritz Cracker Chicken:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When pan-frying, avoid overcrowding the pan. This will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use Fresh Ritz Crackers: Fresh Ritz crackers will give you the best flavor and texture. Avoid using crackers that are stale or have been open for a long time.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you like a little more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cracker mixture.
• Make it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free Ritz-style crackers and gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Add Cheese to the Chicken: Place a slice of mozzarella or provolone cheese on top of each chicken breast during the last few minutes of baking for an extra cheesy treat.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken up to the point of cooking and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.

Enjoy your homemade 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 ordinary chicken into a crispy, flavorful delight that will have everyone begging for seconds. I know, I know, it sounds almost too good to be true, but trust me, the simplicity of the ingredients combined with the incredible texture and taste makes this a must-try dish for any home cook. Why is it a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the sheer deliciousness, it’s incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and impressive. It’s also fancy enough to serve to guests – they’ll never guess how easy it was to make! The buttery, salty crunch of the Ritz crackers creates a coating that’s far superior to traditional breading, offering a unique and unforgettable culinary experience. Plus, it’s a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen; they’ll love crushing the crackers and helping to coat the chicken. But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is just a starting point for endless culinary adventures. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. A dash of smoked paprika adds a smoky depth, while a pinch of cayenne pepper brings a welcome kick. For a more Italian-inspired flavor, try adding some dried oregano, basil, and Parmesan cheese to the cracker mixture. Serving Suggestions and Variations: * Serve this crispy chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort meal. * Slice the chicken and add it to a Caesar salad for a protein-packed lunch or light dinner. * Make chicken sandwiches with your favorite toppings – lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and a slice of cheese. * For a healthier twist, bake the chicken instead of frying it. It will still be crispy and delicious! * Try using different types of crackers for the coating. Saltines or even flavored crackers can add a unique twist. * Make mini chicken tenders for appetizers or snacks. Simply cut the chicken into smaller pieces before coating and cooking. * Consider adding a dipping sauce! Honey mustard, ranch dressing, or even a simple barbecue sauce would complement the chicken perfectly. I truly believe that this Ritz Cracker Chicken recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of the crispy cracker coating and the juicy, tender chicken is simply irresistible. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (or get your frying pan ready), and prepare to be amazed. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear about any variations you tried, what you served it with, and what your family and friends thought. Happy cooking! Let me know what you think of this Ritz Cracker Chicken!

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