Crispy Ritz Chicken Recipe: Golden Goodness Made Simple
Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this Ritz chicken delight recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.
Golden, crunchy coating meets tender chicken in a mouthwatering combination that never disappoints.
The secret lies in the perfectly seasoned Ritz cracker crust that adds irresistible texture to every bite.
Crushed crackers create a delightfully crisp exterior that seals in the chicken natural juices.
Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this dish a weeknight winner for busy home cooks.
Each forkful promises a satisfying crunch that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch dinner transform from ordinary to extraordinary.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 380 kcal
Servings: 5
Ritz Chicken Ingredient Lineup
For Crispy Coating:
Ritz Crackers: Buttery, salty base that creates an irresistibly crunchy exterior for the chicken.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps the coating adhere to the chicken.
Garlic Powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch without fresh garlic's harsh bite.
Onion Powder: Provides a subtle, sweet depth to the seasoning blend.
Paprika: Brings a mild, sweet pepper warmth and beautiful golden color to the crust.
Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
For Chicken Base:
Chicken Fillets: Lean protein that becomes tender and juicy when perfectly baked.
For Moisture and Binding:
Melted Butter: Creates a golden, crispy coating and adds rich, velvety flavor to the chicken.
Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish): Bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and herbal freshness.
Gear Up for Ritz Chicken
Baking Sheet: Essential for cooking chicken evenly and catching drips.
Parchment Paper: Optional but helpful for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
Food Processor or Rolling Pin: Perfect for crushing Ritz crackers into fine, crispy crumbs.
Shallow Dish: Ideal for mixing cracker crumbs and coating chicken.
Measuring Spoons: Crucial for adding precise amounts of spices and seasonings.
Basting Brush or Spoon: Great for spreading melted butter evenly on chicken.
Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.
Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing chicken.
Sharp Knife: Useful for trimming chicken and chopping optional parsley garnish.
Serve Ritz Chicken Like a Pro
Comfort Food Companion: Pair this crispy chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
Salad Fresh Twist: Serve atop a crisp mixed green salad with a light ranch or honey mustard dressing to balance the richness of the crunchy chicken coating.
Family-Style Platter: Create a casual dinner experience by arranging the golden chicken on a large platter surrounded by roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and broccoli for a colorful and nutritious spread.
Dipping Delight: Offer several quick dipping sauces like homemade garlic aioli, tangy barbecue sauce, or cool ranch to let everyone customize their chicken experience and add extra flavor excitement.
Keeping Ritz Chicken Fresh
Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Place chicken pieces separately, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing Technique: Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen crispy Ritz chicken stays delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
Reheating Magic: Revive refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore original crunchiness. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the coating soggy and compromise the delightful crisp texture.
Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare chicken coating mixture in advance and store in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This smart strategy allows quick weeknight meal preparation without compromising flavor or quality.
Cooking Ritz Chicken Step-by-Step
Ritz Cracker Chicken Magic
Cracker Crumble Preparation Kitchen counters transform as Ritz crackers get crushed into delicate, crunchy particles. Mix these delicate crumbs with Parmesan, creating a flavor explosion waiting to happen.
Butter Bath Chicken pieces take a luxurious dive into melted butter, ensuring every inch gets a silky coating. This buttery embrace prepares them for their crispy adventure.
Crumb Transformation Coated chicken pieces roll through the cracker mixture, collecting a generous layer of savory, golden breadcrumbs. Each piece becomes a work of culinary art, promising irresistible crunch.
Oven Transformation Baking sheet welcomes these flavor-packed chicken pieces. They'll dance in a hot oven, turning golden and developing an incredibly crispy exterior while staying juicy inside.
Flavor Finale Chicken emerges perfectly cooked, with a stunning golden crust. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds the final touch, transforming a simple meal into a restaurant-worthy experience. Serve alongside favorite side dishes for a complete feast.
Tweak and Improve Ritz Chicken
Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, or dried herbs such as thyme and rosemary to add extra zest to the cracker coating.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken up to a day in advance by coating and storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply place in the oven for a quick, hassle-free meal.
Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes for those with dietary restrictions. The crispy texture remains equally delightful.
Dipping Delights: Create tangy accompanying sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy aioli to elevate the chicken's flavor profile and add an exciting dimension to the dish.
Leftover Love: Store any remaining chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain its signature crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make the coating soggy.
Ritz chicken delight recipe elevates classic comfort cooking with a delightful cracker-crusted twist. Crunchy, golden-brown chicken emerges as a crowd-pleasing meal you will savor with pure satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
4 chicken fillets (boneless, skinless)
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 1 cup/240 mL crushed)
½ cup (120 mL) Parmesan cheese (grated)
¼ cup (60 mL) butter (unsalted, melted)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp parsley (fresh, optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Crumb Preparation: Pulverize Ritz crackers into fine, uniform particles using a food processor, creating a consistent coating foundation with enhanced texture.
Seasoning Blend: Whisk together cracker crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution.
Coating Technique: Immerse chicken fillets in melted butter, allowing complete coverage, then meticulously press into seasoned crumb mixture, creating a thick, even layer that guarantees a spectacular crispy exterior.
Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C), positioning rack in central position and lining baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent adhesion and facilitate effortless cleanup.
Strategic Placement: Arrange crumb-encrusted chicken pieces on prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between fillets to encourage uniform browning and maximum crispness.
Culinary Transformation: Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C) and develops a golden-brown, crunchy crust that promises exceptional flavor and texture.
Resting and Serving: Allow chicken to rest briefly after removing from oven, enabling juice redistribution, then garnish with fresh parsley and pair with complementary side dishes like mashed potatoes or garden salad.
Notes
Crumb Coating Technique: Press cracker mixture firmly onto chicken to ensure a thick, uniform layer that guarantees maximum crispiness.
Butter Dipping Trick: Completely coat chicken in melted butter before breading to help seasonings stick and create a golden, crunchy exterior.
Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F internally, ensuring food safety without overcooking.
Spacing Matters: Arrange chicken pieces separately on baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, preventing soggy spots and promoting even, crisp browning.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.