Description
Crispy, flavorful chicken coated in buttery Ritz cracker crumbs and Parmesan cheese, baked or pan-fried to golden perfection. An easy, family-friendly favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: If chicken breasts are thick, pound them to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut each breast into 2-3 inch pieces.
- Crush the Ritz Crackers: Place Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush into fine crumbs. Alternatively, use a food processor.
- Combine Cracker Coating: In a shallow dish, combine crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate dish, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Dredge in Flour: Dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip in Egg Wash: Dip floured chicken into the egg wash, letting excess drip off.
- Coat with Cracker Mixture: Dredge chicken in the Ritz cracker mixture, pressing gently to coat.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Place coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Drizzle with Oil: Drizzle chicken with olive oil (or vegetable oil).
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and coating is golden brown.
- Rest: Let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Heat Oil: Heat olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook Chicken: Carefully place chicken in the hot skillet, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove chicken from skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley (optional).
- Serve immediately.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green salad, mac and cheese, or coleslaw.
- Serve with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, ketchup, or sweet chili sauce.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when pan-frying.
- Use fresh Ritz crackers for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free Ritz-style crackers and gluten-free flour.
- Add cheese to the chicken during the last few minutes of baking.
- Prepare the chicken ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for a few hours.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes