Ritz Cracker Chicken Bake The Crispy Comfort Food Classic

Ritz Cracker Chicken A Crispy Comfort Food Classic

By Kendra Thompson June 30, 2025

Remember Ritz Chicken This buttery crunchy Ritz Cracker Chicken recipe is pure comfort So easy even the kids can help Weeknight dinner sorted Try it now ... Comfort Food Classics

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving comfort food? Me too! This ritz chicken recipe is the answer. It's buttery, crispy, and ridiculously easy.

Brief Overview

Ritz Cracker Chicken , or Ritz Chicken as some call it, is pure Americana. Think mid-century potluck vibes. It is super easy and takes only 45 minutes .

This recipe makes 4 servings . Perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

Honestly, the best thing about Ritz Cracker Chicken Bake is the taste. That buttery ritz chicken flavor is unforgettable. It’s also packed with protein.

It's a crowd-pleaser. Especially the Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole With Ritz Crackers version.

Ingredients for Crispy Comfort

So, what do you need for this classic?

Grab 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
You will also need one sleeve of Ritz crackers. About 11.5 oz.
Half a cup of melted butter is also a must.
Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for seasoning.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Bake The Crispy Comfort Food Classic presentation

Let's Make Some Magic: Step-by-Step

Crush Those Crackers

First, preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Then, crush those Ritz crackers. A food processor works. A bag and rolling pin do the trick, too.

Mix and Coat

Mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and spices. Coat each chicken breast in the mixture. Press it on good!

Bake and Enjoy

Place the coated chicken in a greased baking dish. Bake for 25- 30 minutes , or until cooked through. Internal temp should be 165° F ( 74° C) .

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Weeknight Ritz Chicken Dinner !

Time to Get Cookin': Ritz Chicken Recipe Deets!

Alright, so you're ready to dive into the world of Ritz Chicken ? Fab! honestly, it's easier than ordering a takeaway.

Let's make sure we've got all our bits and bobs lined up. Here is what we need for this easy ritz chicken recipe .

Main Players – Ingredients

First off, the stars of the show. These measurements are bang on. Trust me, I've made this Ritz Chicken dish more times than I can count.

1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Quality? If it looks dodgy, bin it!
1 sleeve (about 11.5 oz or 325g) Ritz crackers. Don't skimp!
½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, melted. Real butter is best!
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste. Easy peasy.

Remember, it's like a chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole with ritz crackers , but without the broccoli or rice. This is all about that crispy buttery ritz chicken .

Seasoning Sensations

These spice combinations will bring it all together. You know, give it that oomph!

Garlic powder & paprika. A match made in heaven!
Salt & pepper. Essential, innit?
Flavor enhancer: A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. Not too much!
Out of garlic powder? Onion powder works, too.

If you like it spicy, add a dash of hot sauce to the ritz cracker chicken . It adds a lovely kick!

Gear Up! – Equipment Needed

Now, let's talk equipment. Don't panic, you probably have most of this stuff already.

9x13 inch baking dish. Essential, unless you want chicken everywhere.
Food processor OR large resealable bag and rolling pin. For crushing crackers, obvs!
Shallow dishes or bowls for dredging.

No food processor? No worries, bash the crackers in a bag. We've all been there! Think weeknight ritz chicken dinner , not fancy restaurant.

Ritz Cracker Chicken - Ready to cook

So, that's it. That's all we need to make this amazing crispy ritz chicken bake . Not exactly rocket science, is it? Get everything sorted, and let's get cooking.

I have a variation where i do a ritz chicken casserole and serve it with green beans, but this is the basic and best version.

Trust me, once you've tasted this Ritz Chicken , you'll be hooked.

Cooking Method: Ritz Chicken Recipe, Sorted!

Right then, let's have a chinwag about cooking! Specifically, Ritz Cracker Chicken . Honestly, it's one of those dishes that screams "comfort food," innit? It's like a big, warm hug on a plate.

And dead easy, even if you're a complete kitchen newbie. I bet you didn't think a Ritz Chicken Casserole could be so simple.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Mate!

Before you even think about turning on the oven, get your mise en place sorted. That's fancy chef talk for "get everything ready.

" It will save you time. Chop what needs chopping. Measure what needs measuring.

First, give about 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts a pat down with some paper towels to dry them off, then get them seasoned with a bit of salt and pepper.

It helps the buttery goodness stick.

Crush about 1 sleeve (about 11.5 oz or 325g) of Ritz crackers . You can bash them up in a food processor or, if you’re feeling old-school, pop them in a zip-lock bag and give them a good whack with a rolling pin.

Add it into a bowl, along with ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) of melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of paprika , and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper .

Mix it all up.

Make sure your oven rack is in the right spot before preheating, and that nothing is laying around where it shouldn't. Remember, safety first, even when making something this scrumptious!.

Step-by-Step: Ritz Cracker Chicken Magic

Here's the fun bit. I mean, all of it is fun, but you know...

Preheat Oven: Get that oven cranked up to 350° F ( 175° C) .
Prepare Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish . No one wants the Crispy Ritz Chicken Bake stuck to the bottom, do they?
Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast in the Ritz mixture, really pressing it on. Critical temperature point here is making sure it sticks!
Arrange Chicken: Pop the coated chicken in the dish. Don't cram 'em in; give them some breathing space.
Bake: Bake for 25- 30 minutes . You want the chicken cooked through to 165° F ( 74° C) inside and the crackers golden brown.
Rest: Leave it to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Ritz Chicken

Right, listen up. These are the secrets I’ve learned making this Buttery Ritz Chicken a gazillion times.

Don't overcrowd that pan! . If the pan is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of baking properly.
If the Ritz Chicken looks like it's getting too brown, pop a bit of foil over it loosely. It works every time.
Make-ahead option: You can prep the chicken earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge. Then just bake it when you're ready.

Honestly, this Easy Ritz Chicken Recipe is a lifesaver on a busy weeknight. Serve it with some Ritz Chicken with Green Beans , and you're golden!. It’s Weeknight Ritz Chicken Dinner perfection!

Alright, so you're about to make some seriously good Ritz Chicken ! It's a bit of a throwback recipe, I know.

I used to have this when I was a kid! But trust me, it still hits the spot. I am very excited to show you how to make this easy ritz chicken recipe .

Recipe Notes to Really Nail Your Ritz Cracker Chicken

These little tweaks and tips are the secret sauce, honestly. They'll take your Ritz Cracker Chicken from 'meh' to 'OMG give me more'. Let's dive in!

Serving Suggestions: Make it Look Like a Million Bucks

Presentation matters, right? A simple plating idea is to fan out slices of the crispy Ritz chicken bake on a plate.

Add a sprig of parsley. Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. Chef's kiss . For a drink, a crisp white wine or even a simple iced tea does the trick.

Think comfort food, but elevated! It goes great with Ritz Chicken with Green Beans !

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh and Delicious

Got leftovers? Score! Store your buttery Ritz chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3-4 days.

Reheat it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10- 15 minutes. This keeps it crispy.

You can also use the microwave, but it might get a little softer. Freezing isn't really recommended. The cracker crust can get a bit soggy upon thawing.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Feeling adventurous? For a dietary adaptation, try a gluten-free version of ritz chicken . Just use gluten-free crackers! Keep in mind that the flavor will be different.

For a seasonal swap, use butternut squash puree in the ritz cracker chicken casserole . It goes perfectly during autumn. Also, the chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole with ritz crackers is another variation.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, let's get real. This isn't exactly health food, but it's not terrible either. Each serving has about 450 calories , 45g of protein , 25g of fat , and 15g of carbohydrates .

The protein helps you feel full. Remember, it is just an estimate!

Honestly, whether you're a seasoned cook or a complete newbie, you can nail this ritz chicken recipe . Don't be scared to experiment, add your own flair, and most importantly, have fun! You got this! This is a great weeknight ritz chicken dinner .

Delicious Ritz Chicken Secret Cracker Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Ritz chicken recipe ahead of time?

You can prep this dish ahead of time, but I wouldn't recommend baking it fully in advance. Coating the chicken in the cracker mixture a few hours before baking is fine. However, baking it too far ahead can make the cracker crust a bit soggy. If prepping ahead, store the coated chicken in the fridge and bake just before serving for the best, crispiest results. Just like you wouldn't want your soggy bottom on the "Great British Bake Off"!

How do I keep the Ritz cracker coating from falling off the chicken?

Getting that Ritz cracker crust to stick is key to a good dish! Firstly, make sure to pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels before coating them. This helps the butter and cracker mixture adhere better. Press the cracker crumbs firmly onto the chicken, ensuring they're well-compacted. Some people also like to do a quick dredge in flour or egg wash before the Ritz mixture for extra adhesion, but the melted butter in this recipe usually does the trick!

What are some variations I can make to this Ritz chicken recipe?

This Ritz chicken recipe is a blank canvas for flavour! For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to your cracker mixture. You could also stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist. Consider swapping out some of the crackers for crushed cornflakes for added crunch and sweetness, which is like a trip down memory lane! You can swap out chicken breasts for chicken thighs too, which will add richness.

How should I store leftover Ritz cracker chicken?

Leftover Ritz cracker chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 3-4 days. Reheating it in the oven or air fryer is preferable to microwaving, as it will help retain some of the crispiness of the cracker coating. Microwaving tends to make the crust a bit soggy, like a rainy Bank Holiday!

Is this Ritz chicken recipe healthy? What about the calories?

While undeniably delicious, this Ritz cracker chicken recipe is more of a comfort food treat than a health food staple. It's relatively high in calories and fat, primarily due to the butter and crackers. The recipe, as written, is estimated to be around 450 calories per serving. To lighten it up, you could use a lighter butter substitute or reduce the amount of butter used, or even use olive oil spray instead. Serving with plenty of veggies, like a good side salad, is always a good shout to balance it out.

Can I use different types of crackers for this Ritz chicken recipe?

While Ritz crackers give this dish its signature flavor, you can certainly experiment with other crackers! Saltines, graham crackers for a sweet twist, or even gluten-free crackers work well as substitutes, though the taste will differ. Keep in mind that the salt content of the crackers may vary, so adjust the seasoning accordingly. Just like how replacing flour in a Victoria sponge has a knock-on effect, make sure the flavours are cohesive.