There are some recipes that instantly feel like home. For me, this Crispy Baked Ritz Cracker Chicken is one of them. It’s golden, buttery, and has just the right amount of crunch to make it irresistible. Best of all? It’s made with simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand—like Ritz crackers, eggs, and a touch of ranch seasoning.
If you’re looking for an easy weeknight chicken recipe that everyone at the table will devour, this one’s a keeper. No frying oil, no complicated steps, and no fancy ingredients—just a warm, comforting dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes.
The secret is in the crackers. Ritz create a crispy, buttery crust that rivals fried chicken but is baked right in your oven. When paired with ranch seasoning and garlic salt, you get a crunchy coating that’s savory, cozy, and downright addictive.
This chicken has quickly become a family favorite in our house, and once you try it, I think it’ll earn a spot in your weekly dinner rotation too.
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Why You’ll Love Ritz Cracker Chicken
This recipe has all the hallmarks of a perfect family dinner chicken recipe:
- Buttery, golden crust – Ritz crackers bake into a crisp, flavorful shell.
- Quick & easy – Just 5 minutes of prep, and the oven does the rest.
- Kid-friendly – No strong spices, just a familiar, comforting flavor.
- Better than fried – Crispy like fried chicken, but oven-baked with less mess.
- Pantry-friendly – Uses everyday ingredients you likely already have.
If you’re tired of rotating the same baked chicken breast recipes, this crispy Ritz cracker chicken is a refreshing (and delicious) change.
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s a quick look at what makes this recipe shine:
- Ritz crackers – The star of the show! They bring buttery flavor and golden crispness.
- Eggs – Help the coating stick to the chicken.
- Garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper – Add depth and flavor to the crust.
- Ranch seasoning powder – Gives a tangy, herby kick that makes the chicken irresistible.
- Butter – Cubes of butter melt over the chicken as it bakes, keeping it juicy and flavorful.
- Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless, lean, and tender.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare egg dredge and Ritz coating with spices.
- Step 2: Dredge chicken in egg wash and then coat in Ritz.
- Step 3: Place chicken into baking dish and put butter squares on top.
- Step 4: Cook chicken until the ritz turn golden brown and chicken hits correct internal temperature.
Step-by-Step Tips for Success
- Preheat with purpose – Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish. A properly preheated oven ensures the coating crisps right away.
- Crush your Ritz crackers just right – You want them fine enough to stick but not powdered. I like to leave a few slightly larger bits for extra crunch.
- Double-dip for extra crunch – For an extra crispy crust, dip the chicken into the egg and cracker mixture twice.
- Butter matters – Dotting butter cubes on top of the coated chicken adds richness and helps achieve that signature golden crust.
- Bake, then broil – Bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. For a restaurant-style finish, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end to crisp the crust further.
How to Serve Crispy Oven-Baked Ritz Cracker Chicken
This crispy oven chicken is versatile and pairs well with so many sides. Some of our favorites include:
- Creamy mashed potatoes – Comfort food perfection.
- Roasted green beans or broccoli – Adds freshness and balance.
- Simple garden salad – Light and crisp alongside the rich chicken.
- Rice pilaf or buttered noodles – A cozy, filling option for weeknights.
You can also slice the chicken and serve it on top of salads, inside wraps, or alongside mac and cheese for an extra indulgent dinner.
Tips & Variations
This recipe is adaptable to your family’s taste. Try these ideas:
- Make it spicy – Add cayenne pepper to the cracker mix or a splash of hot sauce to the egg wash.
- Use chicken tenders – Perfect for kids! Just reduce baking time by 5–7 minutes.
- Cheesy twist – Stir ½ cup shredded cheddar into the cracker coating for cheesy Ritz cracker chicken.
- Herb lovers – Add fresh chopped parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat – Bake in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or air fry for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezer-friendly – Freeze baked chicken in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F until warmed through.
Pro Tips
- Double the coating – If your family loves extra crunch, make 1½ times the Ritz cracker mixture and press it firmly onto the chicken.
- Don’t overbake – Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F. Overbaking will dry out the chicken.
- Let it rest – Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze Ritz Cracker Chicken?
Yes! Once baked and cooled, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
What sides go best with Ritz Cracker Chicken?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, and garden salads are all excellent choices.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless thighs work great and tend to be juicier. Just adjust the bake time slightly, as thighs may cook faster.
Do I need to flip the chicken while baking?
Nope! The butter cubes on top help the coating crisp evenly without flipping.
Can I make Ritz Cracker Chicken ahead of time?
Yes. You can coat the chicken and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 4 hours before baking. Bake when ready to serve.
Why This Recipe Works
The brilliance of this recipe is in its simplicity. Ritz crackers provide the perfect buttery crunch, while ranch powder and garlic salt add flavor without overpowering the chicken. Baking keeps it lighter than frying, and butter ensures moisture and crispiness. It’s foolproof, reliable, and delicious every time.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes it’s the simplest meals that become family traditions. This Crispy Baked Ritz Cracker Chicken is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, looking for a no-fail weeknight dinner, or just craving cozy comfort food, this dish has your back.
Give it a try, and I bet it’ll earn a spot on your family’s favorites list too. And if you tweak it to make it your own—spicy, cheesy, or herby—be sure to share how you did it. That’s the beauty of recipes like this: they’re made to be loved and shared.
Let me know in the comments if your crew loves it too—or how you make it your own!
Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers, garlic salt, black pepper, onion powder, and ranch seasoning.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg, then into the cracker mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating stick.
- Arrange the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish. Place the butter cubes on top of the chicken.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. For a crispier top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—just watch closely!
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