Introduction:

Ritz Cracker Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that’s crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor in every bite. Made with tender chicken breasts coated in buttery, crushed Ritz crackers, this recipe is a foolproof way to impress both picky eaters and foodies alike. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed Sunday dinners, this dish is budget-friendly, kid-approved, and can be prepped in minutes.

Whether you bake it in the oven or air-fry it for a healthier twist, this golden, crispy delight never disappoints. And the best part? You likely have all the ingredients already in your kitchen!

📝 Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 ½ sleeves of Ritz crackers (about 48 crackers), crushed

½ cup melted unsalted butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

1 egg (beaten)
¼ cup milk (optional, for dipping)
Cooking spray or additional melted butter for drizzling

👩‍🍳 Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.

Step 2: Crush the Ritz Crackers
Place Ritz crackers in a resealable plastic bag or food processor. Crush them until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs. Pour the crumbs into a shallow bowl. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. This helps the cracker coating stick better to the chicken and adds moisture.

Step 4: Dip and Coat the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Dip each piece into the egg mixture, then press it into the Ritz cracker mixture, coating thoroughly on all sides. Press firmly to help the crumbs stick well.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Juicy
Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a little melted butter over the top or spritz with cooking spray to promote even browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden and crispy.

🔄 Variations:

Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the cracker mix.
Cheesy Twist: Mix in some grated Parmesan with the Ritz crumbs.

Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers as a substitute.
Kid-Friendly Nuggets: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for homemade crispy chicken nuggets.

🍳 COOKING Note:

Using thin chicken breasts or pounding them to an even thickness ensures faster and more even cooking. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan so that each piece gets crispy.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy for a hearty meal.

Pair with mac and cheese for a kid-friendly combo.
Add a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the richness.
Drizzle with honey mustard or ranch for dipping.

💡 Tips:

For extra crunch, double coat the chicken: dip, crumb, then dip again and re-crumb.
Let the coated chicken sit for 5–10 minutes before baking to help the coating set.
Don’t skip the butter drizzle—it helps the crust get beautifully golden.

Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

⏱️ Prep Time:

10 minutes

⏲️ Cooking Time:

30–35 minutes

⏳ Total Time:

40–45 minutes

🧪 Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.):

Calories: 420
Protein: 32g

Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 18g

Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g

❓ FAQs:

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and equally delicious with the Ritz coating.

Q: Can I prep Ritz Cracker Chicken ahead of time?
Yes. You can coat the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze Ritz Cracker Chicken?
Yes! Freeze coated (but unbaked) chicken on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Microwave works but may soften the crust.

🏁 Conclusion:

Ritz Cracker Chicken is more than just a quick dinner—it’s comfort food with a satisfying crunch and flavor that brings smiles to the table. Its versatility, simplicity, and crave-worthy texture make it a staple in many homes. Whether you’re feeding kids, guests, or just treating yourself, this dish promises to deliver every single time.

Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe | Easy & Delicious Dinner

Author: Diana Carrozza

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

1 ½ sleeves of Ritz crackers (about 48 crackers), crushed
½ cup melted unsalted butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
1 egg (beaten)
¼ cup milk (optional, for dipping)

Cooking spray or additional melted butter for drizzling

Instructions