Baked Chicken Coated in Ritz Cracker Crust
Tender chicken breasts baked to juicy perfection with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker and spice coating. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs large eggs, crackers, crushed buttery Ritz crackers, teaspoon garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 1.5 pounds) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large eggs
- 30 crackers, crushed buttery Ritz crackers
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons, melted unsalted butter
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow bowl, beat 2 large eggs until smooth. In another bowl, combine 30 crushed buttery Ritz crackers with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Dip each of the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts first into the beaten eggs, coating completely, then dredge thoroughly in the cracker-spice mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating.
- Step 3: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter evenly over the top of each piece for extra moisture and richness.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Chicken Coated in Ritz Cracker Crust take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Chicken Coated in Ritz Cracker Crust?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large eggs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Chicken Coated in Ritz Cracker Crust?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Chicken Coated in Ritz Cracker Crust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Chicken Coated in Ritz Cracker Crust?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
