Description
Baked Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken is a no‑fry dinner that gets its golden crunch from buttery Ritz crackers. Layers of cheddar, milk (or egg), and chicken bake into a juicy, crispy, and cheesy sensation—simple, forgiving, and indulgent.
Ingredients
2 lb chicken tenders or breasts (4 large)
2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp pepper
½ cup whole milk (or sour cream/Greek yogurt if desired)
3 cups grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to **375 °F (190 °C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with milk seasoned with salt and pepper; one with cheddar cheese; and one with crushed Ritz crackers.
- Dip each chicken piece into the milk, then into the cheese, and finally coat thoroughly in crushed Ritz.
- Arrange chicken on the baking sheet. For extra crunch, bake on a wire rack over the sheet to allow air circulation and even browning. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Bake uncovered for **25–30 minutes** (or 35–40 minutes if using thicker thighs)—until the internal temperature reaches **165 °F** and the crust is golden.
- Optionally, spray or brush lightly with cooking oil or dot with butter before baking for extra crispiness. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Let rest brief before serving—crunch awaits.
Notes
- For flavor variation, mix herbs and spices—Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika—into the cracker crumbs. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or an egg wash instead of milk for binding. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- You can freeze coated chicken uncooked on a tray, then bake from frozen (425 °F for 20–25 min) for a fast, crispy meal. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad—the contrast is divine. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking (no‑fry)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken portion
- Calories: About 560 kcal (approx from RecipeBoy version) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Sugar: undefined
- Sodium: undefined
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: undefined
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: undefined
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: undefined
