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Ritz Cracker Chicken

Featured in Food for the Family.

This Ritz Cracker Chicken transforms basic ingredients into a family favorite. Thin chicken breasts get dipped in egg, then coated with a savory mixture of crushed Ritz crackers, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The secret is baking it with cubed butter, which melts into the crackers for incredible richness. Comes out golden and crispy every time. Kids love the crunchy texture, and adults appreciate how easy it is. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Works great with chicken tenders too. Leftovers stay crispy when reheated in the oven (though they rarely last long!). Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal. The recipe doubles easily for crowds.
Soo Ben
Updated on Sun, 27 Apr 2025 23:25:17 GMT
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Ritz Cracker Chicken The Easy Way | mamamiakitchen.com

Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken: A 30-Minute Family Favorite

This Ritz Cracker Chicken is the ultimate weeknight hero—juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a buttery, garlicky Ritz cracker crust that bakes up golden and crispy. Kid-approved and ready in just 30 minutes, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.

My kids call this "the chicken that tastes like Thanksgiving stuffing"—high praise from little critics!

Ingredients & Pro Tips

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to ½-inch thickness for even cooking
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers): Finely crushed
  • 4 tbsp butter, cubed: For extra richness
  • 2 large eggs, beaten: Or ½ cup mayo for extra moisture
  • 1 tsp garlic powder: Or fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Ingredient Swaps & Tips:

  • Extra Crispy? Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan to the cracker mix.
  • No Eggs? Use mayo, sour cream, or Greek yogurt as a binder.
  • Spice It Up – Mix in ½ tsp smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne.
  • Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free crackers like Schär table crackers.
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Quick Ritz Chicken For Dinner Tonight | mamamiakitchen.com

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Pound chicken to ½-inch thickness (use a meat mallet or rolling pin). This ensures even cooking!
Step 2: Make the Coating
Crush Ritz crackers (place in a bag and roll with a pin) until fine.

Mix in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Coat & Bake
Dip chicken in beaten eggs, then press into cracker mix (coat both sides).

Place in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Dot with butter cubes (this makes the crust extra crispy!).

Bake 25–30 mins until internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).

Optional: Broil 1–2 mins for extra crunch (watch closely!).
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
Spoon melted butter from the pan over the chicken.

Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple salad.

5 Delicious Variations

  • Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole: Layer with cream of chicken soup & cheese.
  • Ritz Cracker Chicken Nuggets: Cut into strips before coating.
  • Air Fryer Ritz Cracker Chicken: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 mins.
  • Cheesy Ritz Chicken: Mix ½ cup cheddar into the cracker crumbs.
  • NYT-Style Herb Ritz Chicken: Add 1 tbsp fresh parsley + 1 tsp thyme.

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: 350°F oven for 10 mins (microwaving makes it soggy).
  • Freeze: Unbaked: Wrap coated chicken tightly, freeze for 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 mins.
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Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe | mamamiakitchen.com

This Ritz Cracker Chicken is my #1 requested recipe from friends and family—simple enough for busy nights but delicious enough for company. The buttery, crispy crust makes it feel indulgent, while the quick prep keeps it totally doable on weeknights.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other crackers?
Yes, but Ritz give the best buttery flavor and crisp texture.
→ How thin should I pound the chicken?
Aim for 1/2 inch thickness for even cooking.
→ Can I make it ahead?
Prep coated chicken up to 4 hours before baking.
→ Is there a gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free crackers and check seasoning labels.
→ Why add butter cubes?
Butter bastes the chicken as it melts for extra flavor.

Crispy Buttery Chicken

Tender chicken breasts with crispy Ritz cracker coating, baked with butter for extra flavor.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Sou

Category: Family Dinners

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 1¼ pounds boneless chicken breasts, pounded to ½-inch thickness

→ Coating

02 2 large eggs, whisked
03 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), finely crushed
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 1 teaspoon black pepper
06 ½ teaspoon garlic powder

→ For Baking

07 ½ cup butter, cut into small cubes

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed crackers, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 02

Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then press firmly into the cracker mixture until well coated.

Step 03

Arrange the coated chicken in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Scatter the butter cubes evenly around the chicken. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

Step 04

Before serving, spoon some of the melted butter from the dish over the chicken for extra flavor.

Notes

  1. Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2–3 months.
  2. For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven to maintain crispiness.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Meat mallet (for pounding chicken)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (crackers)
  • Contains dairy (butter, crackers)
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 291
  • Total Fat: 20.5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 16.9 g
  • Protein: 9.7 g