Ritz Cracker Chicken: A Deliciously Simple Recipe

January always seems to last no less than 300 days. This year, it felt like it lasted no less than 3,000 days. But it’s finally February, and hopefully, the shortest month of the year won’t let us down.

Between lingering illnesses and the general state of the world, I’ve found myself wanting easy dinner solutions. Lately, Ritz Cracker Chicken has been on our dinner table more often than I care to admit, but thankfully, it’s a dish everyone in my family loves.

Buttery Ritz Cracker Chicken: An Easy Weeknight Dinner

I have mentioned before that my husband is quite the picky eater. He would happily eat pasta with crockpot spaghetti sauce six days out of seven. Thankfully, this Ritz Cracker Chicken is a dish he enjoys, making it a versatile and convenient option for our weekly meals.

This chicken has quickly become a family favorite. It’s so simple to prepare; you can’t even order a pizza to be delivered in the time it takes to whip this recipe up! Despite its simplicity, I’ve impressed family and friends with this dish numerous times. Both my dad and my mom’s boyfriend even claimed it to be “the best chicken they’ve ever tasted,” which is no small feat!

What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt the flavor profile to suit your sides, whether you’re in the mood for Italian seasoning, BBQ, Ranch, or even a spicy kick from Frank’s Red Hot. The buttery Ritz cracker coating creates a wonderfully crispy exterior while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy and tender—everything you want in baked chicken!

How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken

You might already have all the ingredients you need for this delightful dish. If not, the grocery list is short, making it a quick trip to prepare a delicious dinner!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 sleeve (from a 13.7-ounce box) of Ritz crackers, crushed into crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• 4 boneless/skinless chicken breast halves
• 1/3 cup butter, cut into cubes

You’ll need a whole sleeve of Ritz crackers—ensure you have enough to coat the chicken pieces well. My preferred mix of seasonings includes garlic salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. If you opt for larger bone-in chicken pieces, just remember they will require more cooking time.

Making This Easy Dinner

This Ritz Cracker Chicken recipe requires approximately 5 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes to cook. You can serve up a satisfying dinner in less than an hour!

To prepare, start by setting two shallow bowls: one for the beaten eggs and another for the seasoned Ritz cracker crumbs. Dip each chicken piece in the egg wash, then into the crumbs to ensure it’s thoroughly coated.

Place the prepared chicken in a large baking dish and scatter the butter cubes around the chicken. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For thicker chicken pieces, ensure you double-check with an instant-read thermometer.

Recipe Variations

As mentioned, the primary seasonings for my Ritz Cracker Chicken include garlic salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, but you can experiment with different seasoning combinations for a unique twist each time you prepare it!

Serving Suggestions

This dish not only tastes great but pairs well with a variety of side dishes. You could serve it alongside buttered noodles and a fresh salad or perhaps some air-fried green beans. For those looking to devote a bit more time, consider adding garlic mashed potatoes or delectable corn on the cob.