Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They're naturally more moist than breasts, so they're actually more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just trim excess fat before coating, and you may need to adjust cooking time slightly since thighs can vary in thickness.

My coating isn't getting as crispy as I'd like. What am I doing wrong?

A few things could be happening: Your oven might not be hot enough (use an oven thermometer to check), the chicken might be releasing too much moisture (pat it extra dry before coating), or the baking dish might be overcrowded. Try spacing the pieces further apart or even using a wire rack over a baking sheet for maximum air circulation.

Can I prepare this in advance and cook later?

Yes, but with a caveat. You can coat the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before cooking, but the coating might not be quite as crispy as when made fresh. Another option is to fully cook the chicken, refrigerate, and then reheat in a hot oven to recrisp the coating.

Is there a way to make this without eggs for an egg allergy?

Definitely! Brush the chicken with mayonnaise or mustard instead—they work surprisingly well as substitutes for egg wash. You can also try a light coating of melted butter or even a plant-based milk for a less traditional but still effective binding agent.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe

Description

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and crispy chicken recipe? This Ritz Cracker Chicken is the ultimate comfort food. The buttery cracker coating paired with tender chicken makes for a meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is bound to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

1 1/4 pounds lean boneless chicken breasts, pounded or sliced thin (approx 1/2 inch)

Coating and Seasoning

2 eggs, whisked
1 sleeve Ritz Butter round crackers (about 30), crushed
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Butter

1/2 cup butter, cut into cubes

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your chicken bakes evenly and achieves the perfect crispy texture.
Prepare the Coating
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Coat the Chicken
Rinse and gently pat each chicken breast dry with a paper towel. Dip each piece of chicken into the whisked eggs, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it in the Ritz cracker mixture. Press lightly to coat the chicken evenly on all sides.
Arrange in Baking Dish
Place the coated chicken pieces into a 9×13-inch baking dish in a single layer. Scatter the butter cubes around the chicken to ensure a rich, buttery flavor as it cooks.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve immediately, spooning any extra melted butter from the baking dish over the chicken for added flavor.

Notes

To Store: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or the oven (at about 350°F / 175°C) until warmed through to enjoy the crispy texture again.
To Freeze: Freeze Ritz Cracker Chicken in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Once thawed, reheat as mentioned above for a delicious meal

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 410kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 670
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 13
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 145