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This Ritz Cracker Chicken is one of those comforting, no-fuss dinners that feels like it came straight from a cozy family kitchen. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in buttery crushed Ritz crackers, then baked until golden, crisp, and irresistible. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but delicious enough to become a regular request at your dinner table.
If you love this Ritz cracker chicken recipe, you’ll also love these Crispy Chicken Strips and Million Dollar Chicken Casserole!
Why you’ll love this Ritz crackers chicken!
I love that there are so many ways to make chicken, from baking to broiling and grilling. And now, you can pair it with your favorite crackers to create a truly delicious dish! (If you love chicken dinners, be sure to check out my Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, this Air Fryer Chicken-Fried Steak, and this Crockpot Chicken Alfredo, too.)
File this Ritz cracker chicken in your recipe box along with your favorite chicken recipes because you are going to be making it ALL the time. Steam some veggies as a side and you’ve got a practically effortless weeknight dinner—or make this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, which has the same buttery cracker crunch in a one-dish meal!
A few highlights of this recipe:
- Crispy, buttery coating: The buttery Ritz crackers create the most delicious golden crust.
- Easy weeknight dinner: Just a few ingredients and minimal prep.
- Family-friendly flavor: Mild, comforting, and always a hit with kids and adults.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Need
You’ll just new a few ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store.
See full recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Flour – All-purpose flour forms the base of the breading for the chicken.
- Seasonings – Salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Eggs – This helps the cracker coating stick to the chicken.
- Ritz crackers – Grind or break them up so that they’re in crumbles.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut them as directed per the recipe card below.
- Butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter.
Variations
- Cheesy Ritz chicken: Add grated Parmesan or cheddar to the cracker crumbs.
- Ranch version: Mix a packet of ranch seasoning into the crumbs.
- Spicy twist: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Chicken tenders: Use smaller pieces for kid-friendly portions.
How To Make This Chicken with Ritz Crackers Recipe
- Dredge in the flour: Coat the chicken breast into the flour, salt and pepper, coating the pieces completely.
- Coat in egg: Dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg.
- Make it crunchy: Coat the chicken in the crushed crackers.
- Add to the dish: Place the coated chicken into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cubed butter around the chicken.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil, and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil, flip the chicken, and cover again. Bake for another 15 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This crispy Ritz cracker chicken recipe pairs wonderfully with all your favorite side dishes!
- Serve it with homemade garlic bread, green beans or mashed potatoes for a hearty comfort food meal.
- Or, keep things on the lighter side with a summer salad or steamed broccoli.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven or air fryer until heated through to keep the coating crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay extra juicy.
You can coat the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.
Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the egg mixture and press the crumbs firmly onto the surface.
Yes. Air fry at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches 165°F.
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
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Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
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Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
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Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs & Potatoes
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Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
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Need help with this recipe?
Click the buttons below to summarize it, adjust for diets, swap ingredients, or ask your own questions!
Ritz Cracker Chicken
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs whisked
- Ritz crackers 1 sleeve
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless, cut in half horizontally
- ½ cup butter cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
- Add the salt, pepper, and flour to a bowl and stir.¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ cup flour
- Whisk the eggs and add to a different bowl.2 eggs
- Add the Ritz crackers and garlic powder to a third bowl.Ritz crackers, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Dip the chicken breast into the flour and be sure to coat completely. Once done, dip them into the egg mixture and then the cracker crumbs.2 chicken breasts
- Place the coated chicken into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the cubed butter around the chicken.½ cup butter
- Cover the recipe with foil and put it in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes. Take off the foil, flip the chicken, and then cover again. Bake for another 15 minutes. Take off the foil, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Video
Notes
- Choose other crackers wisely. You can absolutely swap the Ritz crackers for something else, but I’d say try to stick with something similarly flaky for the best texture. Clubhouse crackers, for example, would also work well.
- Monitor the temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and is safe to eat, without being overcooked. It’s the best way to know when your chicken is done!
- Use both coarse and large cracker crumbs. The smaller crumbs will provide an even, crispy coating, while the bigger crumbs will give you a satisfying crunch!
Very yummy chicken…gotta try it…
This is my new favorite chicken recipe. So tender and delicious!! Everyone needs to make this!
I never thought of coating chicken in Ritz crackers but let me tell you that it is the best idea ever. Thank you!