Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a baking sheet or a large baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Coating

  1. Place the Ritz crackers in a large zip-top bag. Use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your hands to crush them into fine crumbs. The texture should be slightly coarse but mostly fine.
  2. Transfer the crushed crackers to a shallow bowl or dish.
  3. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the crushed crackers. Mix everything together thoroughly.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

  1. If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This ensures even cooking and a crispier result.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better.

Step 4: Set Up the Dipping Station

  1. In one shallow bowl, place the beaten eggs.
  2. In another bowl, keep the Ritz cracker and cheese mixture.

Tip: A “dipping station” makes the process quick and clean—perfect for evenly coating the chicken.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

  1. Take one chicken breast and dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
  2. Immediately place the chicken into the Ritz cracker mixture. Press the cracker crumbs and cheese firmly onto the chicken to ensure it’s fully coated.
  3. Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces.

Step 6: Drizzle with Butter

  1. Place the coated chicken breasts onto the greased baking sheet or baking dish, spacing them out so they cook evenly.
  2. Drizzle melted butter over the top of each piece of chicken. This step ensures the coating gets golden and crispy as it bakes.

Step 7: Bake the Chicken

  1. Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until:
    • The chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
    • The cracker coating is golden brown and crispy.
  2. For extra crispiness, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of baking—just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This helps keep the coating intact.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color, if desired.

Serve your Crispy Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken hot and enjoy the perfect blend of tender, juicy chicken with a crispy, cheesy crust!

What to Serve with Crispy Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken

Pair this dish with sides that complement its buttery, savory flavors. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Mashed Potatoes or garlic butter rice for a comforting meal.
  • Roasted Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
  • Garden Salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
  • Buttered Corn on the Cob or steamed peas for a kid-friendly side.

Tips for Success

  1. Don’t Skip the Butter: Drizzling melted butter over the chicken ensures the coating becomes golden and crispy.
  2. Use Fresh Cheddar: Shred your cheddar cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
  3. Prevent Sticking: Use parchment paper or grease the baking pan to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick to the bottom.
  4. Avoid Overcooking: Check the chicken’s internal temperature at 25 minutes to prevent it from drying out.
  5. Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Ritz cracker mixture for a spicy kick.

Variations

  • Cheddar Ranch Ritz Chicken: Add a tablespoon of dry ranch seasoning to the cracker mixture for a zesty flavor.
  • Spicy Ritz Chicken: Mix crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder into the cracker coating.
  • Parmesan Twist: Substitute half of the cheddar cheese with grated Parmesan for a richer flavor.

Storage and Reheating

  • To Store: Place leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as the coating may become soggy.
  • Freezing: You can freeze breaded (uncooked) chicken for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken is a quick, satisfying recipe that’s bursting with flavor and crunch. With its buttery cracker coating and cheesy goodness, this dish will become a regular in your dinner rotation. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even special occasions, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something truly irresistible.

Give this recipe a try, and prepare to wow your family with this new favorite! Would you like ideas for more easy chicken recipes or side dish pairings? Let me know—I’d be happy to share! 😊🍗✨