There’s something special about a dinner that feels nostalgic, effortless, and a little bit cozy—and this Crispy Baked Ritz Chicken checks every box. It’s the kind of recipe you keep tucked in your back pocket for busy nights, picky eaters, or anytime you want a meal that tastes like childhood comfort with an upgraded crunch. Juicy chicken gets coated in buttery crushed Ritz crackers, baked until golden, and served up with that irresistible “Did you make this from scratch?” flavor.
It’s simple cooking at its best: minimal ingredients, quick prep, and a payoff that tastes way bigger than the effort it takes. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting friends, or just craving something crispy and satisfying, this is the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table—fast.
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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 I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully. They stay extra juicy and bake in about the same amount of time—just check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Do I need to dip the chicken in egg first?
An egg dip helps the crushed Ritz stick really well, but you can also use buttermilk, ranch dressing, or even mayo for extra moisture and flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken up to 6 hours in advance. Coat it, place it on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate. Bake right before serving for the crispiest results.
How do I keep the cracker coating from getting soggy?
Make sure the chicken is patted dry, use a wire rack on your baking sheet if you have one, and avoid covering the chicken after baking. Steam is the enemy of crisp!
Can I air-fry this instead?
Absolutely. Air-fry at 380°F for 12–16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Can I add seasonings to the cracker crumbs?
Yes—garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, onion powder, or ranch seasoning mix are all great add-ins. Just keep the flavor profile simple so the buttery Ritz flavor still shines.
Does this recipe freeze well?
Breaded chicken doesn’t stay as crisp once frozen, but it does work. Freeze the uncooked, coated chicken on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F and add 5–10 extra minutes.
What should I serve with Ritz Chicken?
Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, buttery noodles, salads, rice, or even mac and cheese all pair perfectly with the crispy, buttery coating.
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
Crispy Ritz Chicken is one of those recipes that sneaks its way into your weekly rotation before you even realize it. It’s simple, comforting, and always delivers that perfect mix of juicy chicken and buttery crunch—no fuss, no complicated steps, just dependable, family-friendly flavor every single time.
It’s the kind of dinner that feels nostalgic even if you just discovered it, the kind you can toss together on a busy night and still feel like you made something special. And once you see how quickly everyone clears their plates, it becomes a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
So grab that box of Ritz, crush a handful of crackers, and let the oven do the rest. This is crispy chicken at its easiest—and its very best.
Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
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!
Notes
- Crush the crackers finely: Smaller crumbs create an even coating and help the chicken crisp up beautifully. A zip-top bag and rolling pin work great.
- Use thin or pounded chicken breasts: Even thickness ensures faster cooking and prevents dry spots.
- Don’t skip the butter: It helps the coating turn golden and adds that classic Ritz flavor.
- Want extra crunch? Mix in a little panko with the Ritz crumbs.
- Season generously: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika add great flavor—don’t be afraid to adjust to taste.
- Check for doneness: Chicken is fully cooked at 165°F. Thin pieces may cook as fast as 20–25 minutes.
- Make it kid-friendly: Slice chicken into strips or nuggets before coating.
- Serving idea: Pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad.
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