This Ritz Cracker Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of crispy, buttery coating and creamy, cheesy topping. The crunch from the Ritz crackers adds a satisfying texture, while the chicken remains juicy and tender inside. It’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick to prepare yet feels like a treat, this is the dish to try. It’s the kind of meal that pairs well with any sides, from mashed potatoes to a crisp green salad. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting and flavorful meal that will become a new family favorite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
-
1/4 teaspoon paprika
-
1/2 cup butter, melted
-
1/4 cup sour cream
-
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
-
In a shallow bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
-
Dip each chicken breast into melted butter, then coat thoroughly in the Ritz cracker mixture. Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
-
In a small bowl, mix together sour cream and shredded mozzarella cheese. Spoon the mixture over the top of the chicken breasts.
-
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown on top.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Ritz Cracker Chicken Works
One of the reasons Ritz Cracker Chicken is so beloved is because it’s incredibly easy to make without sacrificing flavor. The use of Ritz crackers as a breading provides a unique texture that gives a satisfying crunch when baked, and the buttery coating helps the crumbs stick perfectly to the chicken, sealing in moisture and creating a crispy, golden crust. With just a few basic ingredients, this recipe transforms into a comforting meal that’s sure to please.
The simplicity of the ingredients is another key feature. Ritz crackers, butter, Parmesan cheese, and chicken breasts are pantry staples that many households already have on hand. This makes it an ideal recipe when you’re in the mood for something easy to prepare, but also crave a comforting, flavorful meal. The addition of sour cream and mozzarella cheese on top further enhances the richness of the dish, adding a creamy texture that balances the crunchiness of the cracker crust.
Serving Suggestions for Ritz Cracker Chicken
Ritz Cracker Chicken is an incredibly flexible dish when it comes to pairing with sides. You can serve it with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, which complement the crispy chicken perfectly. For a lighter option, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus also pair wonderfully with the dish, adding color and nutrients to your meal.
If you’re looking to make the meal heartier, consider pairing it with a serving of rice or a baked potato. A serving of garlic bread can also be a great choice for soaking up the delicious buttery sauce that often pools at the bottom of the baking dish. No matter what side you choose, Ritz Cracker Chicken will shine as the centerpiece of the meal.
Why Ritz Cracker Chicken is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
One of the standout features of Ritz Cracker Chicken is how little time it takes to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you’re looking for something quick and satisfying. With only a few minutes of prep work, you can get the chicken coated and in the oven. While it bakes, you have the time to prepare your side dishes or relax after a long day. The fact that it bakes in the oven means you can focus on other tasks while dinner is cooking, making it a true set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Furthermore, the ingredients are straightforward and inexpensive, making it an affordable option for families or anyone on a budget. The simplicity of the recipe means it doesn’t require specialty items or extra shopping trips, making it easy to whip up at any time.
Variations on Ritz Cracker Chicken
While the basic Ritz Cracker Chicken recipe is fantastic on its own, there are plenty of ways to get creative and customize it to suit your preferences. For example, you can experiment with different seasonings to give the breading a unique flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika will give the chicken a subtle kick, while dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano can bring an earthy, aromatic flavor to the crust.
For a cheese lover’s twist, you can use a combination of cheeses. Adding cheddar or a blend of sharp cheeses to the topping can give the chicken an extra layer of richness and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free spread and use a non-dairy sour cream alternative. You can even use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option, or switch to a different type of cracker if you prefer a different flavor profile.
The History Behind Ritz Cracker Chicken
Ritz Cracker Chicken has become a go-to dish for many American families, but its origins aren’t precisely clear. It’s thought to have emerged as a convenient and affordable dinner option in the 1980s, during a time when convenience foods were becoming more popular. Ritz crackers, with their buttery, salty flavor and crunchy texture, were the perfect ingredient to use for an easy, flavorful breading. The combination of crackers and chicken quickly caught on, and the recipe spread across the country as a popular home-cooked meal.
The use of Ritz crackers as a breading or topping in recipes isn’t unique to just this dish. The crackers have been used for years in a variety of casseroles and baked dishes, adding flavor and texture. In fact, the use of crackers in recipes dates back even further, with families looking for ways to repurpose leftovers or pantry staples into a meal that could feed a crowd.
Why This Dish is Loved by Many
What makes Ritz Cracker Chicken particularly special is its ability to deliver both simplicity and flavor in one dish. It’s a recipe that’s easy to make, easy to clean up after, and loved by people of all ages. For busy parents, it offers a solution to the never-ending struggle of getting kids to eat something nutritious while also being satisfying enough for adults. It’s the kind of meal that invites seconds and makes leftovers feel like a treat the next day.
In addition to its flavor, Ritz Cracker Chicken also holds a nostalgic quality for many home cooks. For those who grew up eating it, the dish often evokes memories of family dinners around the table, with everyone enjoying a warm, comforting meal. It’s a recipe that brings people together and makes them feel at home, no matter where they are or what’s going on in their lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ritz Cracker Chicken is more than just a quick and easy dinner; it’s a comforting, satisfying dish that brings a sense of warmth to any table. With its crunchy, buttery coating, creamy cheese topping, and juicy chicken, it’s no wonder that this recipe has become a staple in many households. Whether you’re looking for a meal that’s quick to prepare or one that can easily be customized, Ritz Cracker Chicken fits the bill. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or any time you’re craving something delicious and comforting.