Savory Crispy Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Ever wondered how a simple crispy cheddar ritz cracker chicken could become your new dinner favorite?

Crackers aren’t just for snacking anymore.

This recipe turns ordinary chicken into something extraordinary with a golden, crunchy coating that’ll make mouths water.

The magic happens when classic ritz crackers meet sharp cheddar cheese, creating a deliciously crisp exterior.

Crushed crackers provide the perfect texture, ensuring each bite delivers maximum crunch and flavor.

Weeknight dinners just got way more exciting with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Come hungry and leave satisfied—this chicken will definitely become a staple in your meal rotation.

Crispy Cheddar Ritz Chicken That’s Big on Crunch

• Kids and adults alike will love the crispy, buttery Ritz cracker coating that transforms ordinary chicken into a crunchy, irresistible dinner everyone will enjoy.
• Simple one-pan baking method means minimal prep work, easy cleanup, and guaranteed golden-brown results that taste like a restaurant-quality meal made right at home.
• Equally impressive for casual family dinners or casual entertaining, this recipe adapts easily to different side dishes and works beautifully with chicken breasts or tenders.

What Goes Into Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein base for the dish, best when fresh and boneless.

• Ritz Crackers, Garlic Powder: Provide a crispy, flavorful exterior with a classic buttery cracker taste, perfect for creating a golden crust.

• Eggs: Help the cracker coating stick to the chicken and add richness, creating a smooth binding layer.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and complement the cracker coating.

• Butter: Adds a luxurious flavor and helps create a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist during baking.

• Cheddar Cheese: Can be grated and mixed into the cracker coating for an extra cheesy flavor profile.

How to Bake Chicken with That Signature Crunch

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Get ready for some serious culinary magic!

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Prepare Chicken

Whisk eggs in a separate bowl. Dunk each chicken breast into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Roll the chicken in the cracker mixture, pressing firmly to create a delicious, crispy armor.

Step 4: Set Up Baking Dish

Place the cracker-coated chicken in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter butter cubes around the chicken pieces like little flavor bombs.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Let the chicken sizzle and transform for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the coating turns a gorgeous golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Carefully remove the dish from the oven. For an extra flavor punch, drizzle the melted butter from the dish over the chicken. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Cooking Tips for Crisp and Juicy Chicken

• Customize Cracker Coating: Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free alternatives like rice crackers or cornflake crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Place chicken on a wire rack inside the baking dish to ensure even crispy coating and avoid moisture buildup underneath.
• Cheese Boost: Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra cheesy, golden-brown crust.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165F, preventing undercooking while avoiding dry meat.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasoning blends like Italian herbs, ranch mix, or smoked paprika to create unique taste profiles.

Store and Reheat Ritz Chicken the Right Way

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm chicken at 350F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve crispiness.
• Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy Ritz cracker coating; oven reheating works best.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Sides That Match Ritz Chicken

• Select a crisp, medium-bodied Chardonnay that complements the buttery, crunchy chicken with its subtle oak and apple notes, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's savory profile.
• Prepare a zesty cucumber and dill salad with light vinaigrette, which provides a cool, tangy contrast to the golden, crispy chicken and helps balance the meal's richness.
• Whip up a quick honey mustard or ranch sauce that adds an extra layer of flavor, giving diners a smooth, tangy option to enhance each crunchy chicken bite and elevate the overall taste experience.
• Roast asparagus spears with garlic and lemon zest, creating a bright, slightly charred side that adds nutritional value and a fresh counterpoint to the heavy, crunchy chicken texture.

Variations for Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Gluten-Free Cracker Chicken: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free rice crackers or crushed cornflakes, ensuring a crispy texture for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Herb Version: Swap regular salt with herbs like rosemary and thyme, reducing sodium content while enhancing natural chicken flavors.
• Spicy Jalapeño Chicken: Mix crushed crackers with cayenne pepper and diced jalapeños for a fiery kick that adds exciting heat to the classic recipe.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of crackers, maintaining low-carb requirements while preserving the crispy coating's texture and appeal.

Crispy Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken brings classic comfort to your dinner table with its irresistible golden-brown crunch. Cheesy, crispy layers of crackers embrace tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering meal that promises pure satisfaction for hungry families.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 ½ cups (about 1 sleeve) crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Fat/Binding Ingredient:

• ½ cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

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Instructions

1. Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for transforming raw chicken into a crispy, golden masterpiece.
2. Crush Ritz crackers into fine, textured crumbs, then blend with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to craft a flavorful coating that will envelop the chicken.
3. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl to create a sticky adhesive layer for the cracker mixture.
4. Immerse each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip away, then carefully press into the seasoned cracker crumbs, ensuring a complete and even coverage.
5. Transfer the fully coated chicken pieces into a 9×13-inch baking dish, strategically positioning butter cubes around the chicken to enhance moisture and create a rich, golden crust.
6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74C) and the exterior develops a crisp, appetizing golden-brown appearance.
7. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest briefly, then drizzle the melted butter from the baking dish over the top to amplify the dish’s flavor and moisture before serving.

Notes

• Ensure crackers are finely crushed for an extra crispy, uniform coating that adheres perfectly to the chicken.
• Opt for room temperature eggs to help the cracker mixture stick more effectively and create a better crust.
• Experiment with different cheese variations like sharp cheddar, parmesan, or a spicy pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Use gluten-free Ritz crackers and swap regular crackers for a celiac-friendly version that doesn’t compromise on crunch or taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg