Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken

Sometimes, the simplest recipes create the most memorable meals. Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken is one of those dishes. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing classic that combines crispy-coated chicken with a creamy, savory sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or hosting friends for dinner, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

The secret lies in the coating: buttery, flavorful Ritz crackers paired with melted cheddar cheese that forms a golden crust as the chicken bakes. Add a rich cream of chicken sauce, and you have a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. Let’s dive into the details of this irresistible recipe.

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Why You’ll Love Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken

1. Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
2. Bursting with Flavor: The roasted vegetable Ritz crackers and cheddar cheese elevate the chicken to a whole new level.
3. Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
4. Customizable: Adjust the seasoning or use different flavors of crackers and cheese for your own twist.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, tender and juicy.
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed: The Roasted Vegetable flavor adds a burst of seasoning, but any variety works.
• ¼ cup milk: Helps bind the coating.
• 1 large egg: Whisked with milk for a smooth batter.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a cheesy layer of flavor to the crust.
• Salt, to taste: Enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
• Garlic pepper, to taste: Adds a savory, slightly spicy kick.

For the Sauce

• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup: The base of the sauce, creamy and flavorful.
• ¼ cup milk: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• 2 tablespoons sour cream: Adds richness and tang.
• 2 tablespoons butter: For a smooth, velvety texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures the chicken doesn’t stick and makes cleanup easy.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Coating

1. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
   • In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg and ¼ cup milk.
   • Place the crushed Ritz crackers in a separate shallow dish.
   • Add the shredded cheddar cheese to a third dish.
2. Season the Chicken:
   Sprinkle salt and garlic pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   • Dip each chicken breast into the egg and milk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
   • Press the chicken into the shredded cheese, patting it down to adhere the cheese evenly.
   • Finally, coat the chicken in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to create a firm crust.
4. Place on the Baking Pan:
   Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking pan, spacing them evenly for proper baking.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The crust should be golden and crispy.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is baking, make the creamy sauce:

1. Melt the Butter:
   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Ingredients:
   Whisk in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and ¼ cup milk. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
3. Simmer:
   Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the baked chicken and pour the creamy sauce generously over the top. Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible combination of crispy chicken and velvety sauce.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken

1. Crush the Crackers Finely: For the best coating, crush the crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a resealable bag and rolling with a pin.
2. Use Room Temperature Chicken: Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before coating. This helps it cook more evenly.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leave space between the chicken breasts to ensure they bake evenly and stay crispy.
4. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
5. Customize the Sauce: Add herbs like parsley or a splash of lemon juice to the sauce for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce doubles as a gravy, making mashed potatoes a perfect choice.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a fresh, healthy contrast to the rich chicken.
• Rice Pilaf: A light, flavorful rice dish complements the savory chicken and sauce.
• Dinner Rolls: Use them to mop up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Variations to Try

1. Different Crackers: Experiment with other cracker flavors like garlic butter, cheddar, or plain salted.
2. Alternate Cheese: Swap cheddar for parmesan, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack for a different twist.
3. Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy version.
4. Herbaceous Flavor: Mix dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley into the crushed crackers for added depth.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers and cream of chicken soup to make the recipe gluten-free.

Why This Recipe Works

The genius of Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken lies in its layers of texture and flavor. The crackers create a buttery, crunchy crust that locks in moisture, while the cheese melts into the coating for added richness. The creamy sauce ties everything together, turning a simple chicken dinner into a comforting masterpiece.

How to Store and Reheat

1. Storage:
   • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
   • Keep the sauce separate if possible to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
2. Reheating:
   • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.
   • Alternatively, use a microwave for quicker reheating, though the coating may lose some crunch.

The History of Ritz Cracker Chicken

This recipe has become a favorite in American kitchens for its simplicity and versatility. The idea of using crackers as a breading dates back decades, offering a budget-friendly alternative to breadcrumbs. Ritz crackers, with their buttery flavor, quickly became a popular choice for creating a crispy, flavorful crust.

Nutritional Information

While indulgent, this recipe can be part of a balanced meal when paired with wholesome sides:

• Calories: ~505 per serving
• Protein: A good source from the chicken and cheese.
• Carbs and Fats: Provided by the crackers and sauce, offering energy and flavor.

Conclusion

Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken is a classic comfort food that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. With its crunchy, cheesy coating and rich, creamy sauce, this dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both indulgent and homey.

Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, hosting guests, or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your rotation. So grab that sleeve of Ritz crackers, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s equal parts crispy, cheesy, and comforting.

Enjoy every bite of this delicious creation and don’t forget to share the recipe with fellow food lovers!