Discover the ultimate comfort food with this easy Ritz Cracker Chicken recipe. Perfect for family dinners, this dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in buttery Ritz cracker crumbs and baked to crispy perfection. With simple ingredients like eggs, garlic salt, and black pepper, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to impress. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Elevate your dinner game with this delicious, kid-friendly chicken recipe that’s bound to become a household favorite.
Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Chicken
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup crushed Ritz Cracker crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 1/2 cup butter (cut into chunks)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your chicken will cook evenly and reach the perfect level of crispiness.
2. Prepare the Coating
Set up your coating station with two shallow bowls. In one bowl, beat the eggs until they’re smooth. In the other bowl, add the crushed Ritz cracker crumbs, garlic salt, and ground black pepper. Mix the dry ingredients until they’re well-combined.
3. Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, making sure all sides are completely covered. Then, dredge the chicken in the Ritz cracker crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick to the chicken.
4. Arrange in Baking Dish
Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Space them out so they cook evenly.
5. Add the Butter
Distribute the chunks of butter around the chicken breasts. As the butter melts, it will create a rich, flavorful base that enhances the taste of the chicken.
6. Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps keep the chicken moist while it bakes. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the chicken to develop a golden, crispy exterior. Ensure the chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of crackers?
Absolutely! While Ritz crackers add a buttery flavor, you can experiment with other types of crackers or breadcrumbs.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain its crispiness.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coat it with the crumbs ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready.
4. What can I use instead of garlic salt?
If you don’t have garlic salt, you can use a mix of garlic powder and regular salt.
5. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! Ritz Cracker Chicken is kid-friendly and sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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