🧈 Ritz Cracker Chicken – Crispy, Buttery, and Irresistible
When it comes to weeknight dinners, we all crave that magical combination of fast, flavorful, and family-friendly. Enter: Ritz Cracker Chicken—a crispy, buttery masterpiece that delivers all the satisfaction of fried chicken without the mess or grease.
This recipe takes juicy chicken breasts or thighs, coats them in a flavorful mix of crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan, and spices, and bakes them to golden perfection. It’s got everything you love about comfort food, but it’s simple enough for busy weeknights and impressive enough for guests.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Ultra crispy, no frying required – Oven-baked for a lighter, cleaner kitchen
✅ Buttery, golden flavor – Ritz crackers bring richness and crunch
✅ Fast and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes
✅ Kid-friendly & crowd-pleasing – Even picky eaters dig in
Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes and gravy or slicing it over a salad, this chicken is bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this crave-worthy dish:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 35 crackers), finely crushed (about 1 ½ cups crumbs)
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (optional – Ritz crackers are already salty)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup (120ml) melted butter (or olive oil for a lighter option)
For Garnish (Optional):
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan or a drizzle of honey mustard for serving
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Crush the Crackers
Place the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin (or pulse in a food processor).
Transfer to a shallow dish or bowl.
Mix in the Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip the Chicken
Brush or dip each chicken piece in melted butter, ensuring it’s well coated.
Then press into the cracker mixture, coating thoroughly on all sides.
Place each coated piece on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C).
Pro tip: For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—just keep an eye on it!
5. Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with your favorite sides.
🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Ritz Cracker Chicken
✔ Use thighs for extra juiciness – Though breasts work great, thighs tend to stay moist
✔ Crush crackers finely – Helps them stick better and creates a more even crust
✔ Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking – This locks in the juices
✔ Double coat if you want max crunch – Dip in butter, then crumbs, and repeat
✔ Try it with ranch seasoning or cayenne – For a flavor twist!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This versatile chicken goes with just about anything. Here are some favorites:
✨ Mashed potatoes and green beans – A classic comfort combo
✨ Mac and cheese – For a kid-approved meal
✨ Over a salad – Sliced chicken adds protein and crunch
✨ In a sandwich – Stack on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and honey mustard
✨ With dipping sauces – Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, or spicy aioli
❄️ Make Ahead & Storage
- Make Ahead: You can coat the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking
- Leftovers: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat: To maintain crispiness, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or in the air fryer
✨ Final Thoughts: Crispy Comfort in Every Bite
Ritz Cracker Chicken is the definition of an easy, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. It’s got everything: buttery flavor, crunchy texture, juicy chicken, and a prep time that’s actually manageable on a weeknight.
No deep fryer. No complicated steps. Just a golden, delicious dinner that tastes like you worked way harder than you did.
Make it tonight and watch the rave reviews roll in. 🧡
Want this turned into a recipe card, printable PDF, or Pinterest pin? I can help with that too!