Crispy Golden Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe for Dinner Joy

Dinner transforms when you infuse classic Ritz cracker chicken with sharp cheddar cheese magic.

Crispy, golden breading creates an irresistible outer layer that seals in tender, juicy meat.

Pantry staples come together in this simple yet spectacular dish that elevates weeknight cooking.

The secret lies in crushing those buttery crackers into a perfect coating that adds delightful texture and flavor.

Crunchy crumbs blend seamlessly with shredded cheese, creating a mouthwatering crust that kids and adults will devour.

Every bite promises a satisfying crunch that makes this recipe a family favorite.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to experience a comfort food classic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Crispy Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Select fresh, plump breasts without discoloration for the most tender and juicy result; organic or free-range options provide richer flavor.

• Ritz Crackers: Creates irresistible crispy exterior with buttery, salty profile; crush crackers finely for maximum crunch.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle aromatic depth and enhances overall seasoning complexity.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies the natural flavors of chicken and crackers.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle spiciness to the coating.

• Eggs: Acts as adhesive to help cracker mixture stick perfectly to chicken; ensures golden, crisp exterior.
• Butter: Provides rich, luxurious flavor and helps create beautiful golden-brown coloration during baking.

Tools That Make Crispy Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken Easy

• Baking Dish (9×13 inch): Essential for perfectly arranging and baking chicken.
• Shallow Bowls (2): One for beaten eggs, another for cracker mixture.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise garlic powder, salt, and pepper amounts.
• Whisk or Fork: To beat eggs thoroughly.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting butter into cubes.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
• Crushing Tool (like rolling pin or bottom of glass): To crush Ritz crackers evenly.

Step-by-Step: Crispy Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken Your Way

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees, getting ready for some seriously delicious chicken action.

• Cracker Crush and Season

Grab those Ritz crackers and pulverize them into a fine, crumbly landscape. Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavor explosion.

• Egg and Cracker Dance

Give each chicken piece a luxurious egg bath, then roll it confidently through the cracker mixture until it’s completely decked out in crispy goodness.

• Butter and Bake Brilliance

Nestle the coated chicken into a baking dish and dot with butter cubes. This is where happens – the butter will create an extra layer of golden deliciousness.

• Transform in the Oven

Let the chicken bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165 degrees.

• Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece, let it rest for a moment, then drizzle those buttery pan juices over the top. Your crispy chicken is ready to steal the show at dinner.

Tips to Keep Ritz Cracker Chicken Crunchy and Cheesy

• Use fresh Ritz crackers and crush them finely for the ultimate crunchy texture that stays crisp after baking.
• Prepare the coated chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, covered, to save time on busy evenings.
• Swap regular Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free pretzels to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Experiment with different cheese options like parmesan or pepper jack to add exciting flavor variations to the classic cheddar coating.
• Replace chicken breasts with turkey cutlets or thick-cut pork chops for a delightful twist on the original recipe that keeps the crispy coating intact.

How to Serve Crispy Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Dinner Party Delight: Host a cozy dinner gathering with this crispy chicken as the star attraction, accompanied by colorful side dishes and warm conversation.
• Wholesome Family Feast: Pair the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad for a complete and satisfying family meal.
• Picnic Perfect Protein: Pack cooled chicken pieces for an outdoor lunch, creating a delightful protein option that travels well and tastes amazing at room temperature.
• Quick Leftover: Transform remaining chicken into delicious sandwiches, slice over salads, or chop into chicken salad for next-day lunch enjoyment.

Make-Ahead Advice for Ritz Cracker Chicken Fans

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated at 40F or lower to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Prepare chicken coating mixture and store separately in a sealed container for up to a week. This speeds up dinner preparation on busy nights.
• Wrap individual uncooked breaded chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time.
• Cut chicken into smaller pieces for easier meal planning. Pack individual servings in lunch containers for quick grab-and-go meals during the workweek.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of crackers?

Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with other buttery crackers like Townhouse or Club crackers. Just make sure they’re crushed finely for the best coating.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love crispy chicken, and the simple seasoning makes it a crowd-pleaser. The crunchy exterior and tender chicken are perfect for picky eaters.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure no pink remains.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can coat the chicken with cracker mixture and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. This can help the coating stick better and make meal prep easier.

Crunchy Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy cheddar Ritz cracker chicken blends savory cheese and buttery crackers into a mouthwatering dinner classic. Midwestern home cooks have perfected this simple yet irresistible recipe that brings comfort and satisfaction to your table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups (about 1 sleeve or 180 grams) crushed Ritz crackers
• ½ cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F, positioning rack in the center to ensure uniform heat distribution for optimal crispiness.
2. Coating Creation: Pulverize Ritz crackers into fine crumbs, incorporating garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to develop a robust, flavorful breading that will transform the chicken’s exterior.
3. Dredging Process: Whisk eggs in a shallow vessel, then meticulously coat each chicken piece by first dipping in the egg wash, allowing excess to drain, and subsequently pressing into the seasoned cracker mixture to achieve complete, even coverage.
4. Baking Setup: Arrange the fully coated chicken in a 9×13-inch baking dish, strategically placing butter cubes around the pieces to infuse moisture and promote a golden, crisp crust.
5. Roasting Stage: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, tracking the internal temperature until it reaches 165°F, while the exterior transforms into a gloriously bronzed, crunchy exterior.
6. Finishing Touch: Retrieve the chicken from the oven, let it rest momentarily, then lavish with the melted butter from the baking dish to amplify its richness and succulence before serving.

Notes

• Cracker Coating Technique: Crush Ritz crackers finely for maximum crispiness, using a rolling pin or food processor to create uniform, small crumbs that adhere perfectly to chicken.
• Egg Wash Pro Tip: Pat chicken dry before dipping to help cracker mixture stick better and prevent soggy coating. Use cold eggs for more consistent coverage.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F without overcooking. Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes after baking to retain juicy texture.
• Dietary Adaptation: For gluten-free version, swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free alternatives like crushed cornflakes or gluten-free crackers. Consider using almond flour for low-carb option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg