Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe: Golden Comfort on a Plate

Crispy ritz cracker chicken could be the ultimate comfort meal you’ve been searching for lately.

Crushed crackers create an irresistible golden coating that makes every bite supremely crunchy.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become exciting with this simple yet delectable dish.

Simple ingredients from your pantry transform ordinary chicken into something spectacular.

You adore how quickly this recipe comes together without complicated techniques.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor, guaranteeing smiles around the dinner table.

Let’s turn an average evening into a delicious celebration of home cooking.

Why Ritz Cracker Chicken is a Must-Try

• Boost Kitchen Confidence: Conquer this recipe with ease, perfect for home cooks seeking a delicious yet straightforward meal that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Crunch: Transform basic chicken into a crispy, cheesy delight by mixing Ritz crackers and cheddar, offering a personalized twist that makes every bite exciting.
• Family-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies both kids and adults, creating a hearty meal everyone will love without complex ingredients or preparation.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal prep time and uses simple pantry staples, making it an ideal solution for busy families needing a fast, tasty dinner option.

What You’ll Need for Ritz Cracker Chicken

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender white meat perfect for a hearty meal.

• Ritz Crackers: Buttery, crispy crackers for a crunchy exterior.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese for extra flavor.
• Egg: Helps the coating stick to the chicken.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the coating process.

• Butter: Creamy base for the sauce.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Rich and savory sauce component.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the sauce.

• Salt, Garlic Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance chicken flavor.

Instructions for Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Cooking Station

Grab your baking pan and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Line up three shallow dishes for your coating process.

In the first dish, whisk together egg and milk.

In the second dish, crush those crispy Ritz crackers into fine crumbs.

In the third dish, sprinkle out your shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 2: Season and Dredge Chicken

Sprinkle salt and garlic pepper over your chicken breasts.

Dunk each piece into the egg-milk mixture, making sure it’s completely coated.

Next, press a generous layer of shredded cheese onto the wet chicken.

Step 3: Cracker Coating Magic

Roll the cheesy chicken in the crushed Ritz cracker crumbs, pressing gently to help the crackers stick.

Make sure every inch is covered with those deliciously crunchy crumbs.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the coated chicken breasts onto your prepared baking pan.

Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 400°F.

Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

While the chicken bakes, create your luxurious sauce.

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk

Stir until the sauce is smooth and heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the crispy chicken to serving plates.

Drizzle the warm, creamy sauce generously over the top.

Enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal straight from your own kitchen!

Tips for Cooking Ritz Cracker Chicken Just Right

• Crush Ritz crackers more finely for an extra crispy exterior that adds more texture and flavor to the chicken.
• Press shredded cheese onto chicken evenly to ensure a consistent cheesy layer that melts perfectly during baking.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding milk gradually, creating a perfect drizzling or dipping consistency to suit your preference.
• Experiment with different herbs like dried thyme or paprika in the cracker coating to personalize the chicken's flavor profile.

How to Save and Reheat Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to prevent overcooking.
• Reheat sauce separately in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth consistency. Add a splash of milk if sauce seems too thick.

Pairing Ideas for Ritz Cracker Chicken Dinners

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, buttery chicken coating and complement its cheesy cracker crust.
• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: Create a refreshing side dish with cabbage, carrots, and a light vinegar-based dressing to balance the creamy sauce and provide a crunchy contrast.
• Create Fresh Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and lighten the hearty main dish.
• Match with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare herb-roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add nutritional depth and a subtle earthy flavor that enhances the chicken's crispy texture.

Different Styles of Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Gluten-Free Cracker Chicken: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Sodium Herb Variation: Swap regular crackers for low-sodium crackers and use herb-seasoned breadcrumbs with fresh thyme and rosemary to enhance flavor without extra salt.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy ingredients with almond milk, dairy-free cheese alternative, and coconut cream-based soup for those with lactose intolerance.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use crushed pork rinds instead of crackers, replace milk with heavy cream, and select a low-carb cream cheese soup to align with ketogenic dietary requirements.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of crackers?

Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with other buttery crackers like saltines or butter crackers for a similar crispy coating.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free crackers and check that your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free to adapt the recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked through.

• Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking, which can help the coating stick better and make meal prep easier.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy Ritz cracker chicken brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with its golden, buttery coating. Crunchy, herb-infused crumbs create an irresistible texture that will make you crave this classic comfort dish again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Breading and Topping:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (Roasted Vegetable flavor), crushed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Wet Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• Salt, to taste
• Garlic pepper, to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (284 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a baking pan by lightly coating with nonstick spray, ensuring even coverage for easy cleanup.
2. Create a dipping station with three separate shallow dishes: one with beaten egg and milk mixture, another with finely crushed Ritz crackers, and the third with shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Season chicken breasts thoroughly with salt and garlic pepper, ensuring complete flavor distribution.
4. Immerse each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
5. Generously press shredded cheese onto the moistened chicken, creating a thin, even layer.
6. Carefully coat the cheese-covered chicken with crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere completely.
7. Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking pan, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
8. Roast in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until chicken reaches a golden-brown exterior and is fully cooked through.
9. Meanwhile, craft the accompanying sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
10. Whisk cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk into the melted butter, stirring until the mixture is smooth and heated evenly.
11. Once chicken is done, plate immediately and drizzle with the warm, creamy sauce, serving hot for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Cracker coating works best when using fresh, crisp Ritz crackers for maximum crunchiness and flavor.
• Crush crackers into fine, even crumbs to ensure uniform coating and consistent texture across the chicken.
• Pat chicken breasts dry before dipping to help cheese and cracker crumbs adhere more effectively.
• Adjust baking time based on chicken breast thickness to prevent overcooking and maintain juicy meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 120mg