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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for transforming raw chicken into a crispy, golden masterpiece.
- 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.
- Whisk eggs in a separate bowl to create a sticky adhesive layer for the cracker mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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