Crispy Chicken Savory Ritz

Crispy chicken breasts coated in buttery Ritz crackers are my go-to when I need a comforting dinner that feels special but is easy enough for a busy weeknight. The result is juicy chicken under a blanket of golden crunch with savory Parmesan and a fragrant pop of herbs to finish.

I stumbled upon this method years ago for a potluck when I ran out of breadcrumbs. My whole family fell in love with the richer flavor of the crackers and I have never looked back.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breasts: The base for tenderness and lean protein choose evenly sized pieces for even cooking
• Crushed Ritz crackers: The secret to that signature crunch buttery flavor and crispy coating use fresh crackers and crush them by hand for the best texture
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers savory depth and a salty edge use real Parmesan if possible for maximum flavor
• Mayonnaise: Acts as a luscious adhesive for the crumbs and keeps the chicken juicy use a high-quality mayo for best results
• Garlic powder: Provides gentle warmth and savory complexity choose garlic powder not garlic salt to control sodium
• Onion powder: Layers in extra flavor without chunks of onion
• Salt and pepper: Heightens every other flavor use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper for the best finish
• Fresh parsley: Delivers color and fresh herbal notes to balance the richness pick vibrant green leaves for optimal taste and appearance

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Let it come to temperature before you do anything else so the chicken bakes evenly once assembled.

Prepare the Crumb Mixture:

In a large bowl combine the crushed Ritz crackers Parmesan cheese garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper. Use clean hands or a fork to really blend the powders evenly into the cracker crumbs. You want every bite of chicken to be well seasoned.

Coat the Chicken with Mayonnaise:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels so the mayo sticks well. Use a silicone spatula or the back of a spoon to spread a thin even layer of mayonnaise on both sides of each chicken breast. This is what holds the coating and locks in moisture.

Bread the Chicken:

Place each mayo-coated chicken breast into the crumb mixture. Press gently but firmly so the cracker coating adheres and gets into every crevice. Make sure both sides are fully covered.

Arrange in Baking Dish:

Grease your baking dish to prevent sticking then carefully lay in the coated chicken breasts. Leave a little space between them for air to circulate so they crisp up.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Check the thickest part of the breast with a thermometer chicken is done at 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The crumb should be deeply golden and crisp.

Garnish and Serve:

Chop fresh parsley and scatter generously over the chicken while it is still hot from the oven. Let rest for five minutes before serving so the juices settle and the coating stays on.

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This recipe has a special place in my home because my youngest always insists on helping crush the crackers it is become a kitchen tradition for us and even her little hands can nail the perfect crumb

Storage Tips

Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To bring back the crunch reheat the breasts in a hot oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. This keeps the coating from turning soggy and helps revive its texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in plain Greek yogurt for mayonnaise if you are looking for a lighter option it still keeps the chicken moist. If you do not have Ritz crackers try buttery club crackers or even panko for a different type of crunch. Parmesan adds distinct flavor but any hard aged cheese like Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano will do.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with creamy mashed potatoes roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. This chicken also shines sliced over rice pilaf or tucked into a sandwich roll with crisp lettuce. For a fun twist serve it with a garlicky aioli or fresh lemon wedges for brightness.

Cultural and Historical Context

Breaded baked chicken is a classic family dish that has roots in European cooking but using Ritz crackers became popular in mid-century American kitchens for both convenience and their unique flavor. This recipe is a nostalgic reminder of potlucks and Sunday dinners when simple ingredients made everyone feel special.

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This recipe is a delicious way to bring the whole family to the table, and the simplicity of it will keep you coming back again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I achieve a truly crispy coating?

Make sure to press the cracker mixture firmly onto the mayonnaise-coated chicken, then bake uncovered. The combination of fat and oven heat will yield a golden crust.

→ Can I substitute mayonnaise with something else?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar creamy texture and to help the coating adhere.

→ What sides pair best with this chicken?

Try serving with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to complement the savory crunch.

→ Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

You may assemble the coated chicken up to a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well, though you may need to adjust the baking time for thicker pieces.