Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredibly delicious Ritz Cracker Chicken that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. This isn’t just another breaded chicken recipe, it’s a game-changer that combines the irresistible buttery crunch of Ritz crackers with perfectly seasoned, tender chicken breast. The magic happens when these beloved crackers are transformed into a golden, crispy coating that delivers both texture and flavor in every single bite. Whether you’re trying to win over picky eaters or simply want to elevate your chicken dinner game, this recipe consistently delivers restaurant-quality results using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to this recipe’s success lies in the unique properties of Ritz crackers as a breading material. Unlike traditional breadcrumbs, Ritz crackers have a softer texture that allows them to absorb the egg and milk mixture more effectively, creating an incredibly crispy coating when baked while maintaining incredible flavor. The built-in buttery taste of Ritz crackers eliminates the need for complex seasoning blends, while their slightly sweet, salty profile complements chicken perfectly. The combination of paprika for color and warmth, plus the moisture from the egg wash, ensures the chicken stays juicy inside while developing that coveted golden-brown exterior that makes this dish so appealing to all ages.
Ritz Cracker Baked Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 pounds) – Choose uniform-sized pieces for even cooking and optimal tenderness
- Salt (1 teaspoon) – Enhances natural chicken flavor and helps create proper seasoning balance
For the Crispy Coating:
- Ritz crackers – Creates the signature buttery, crispy exterior coating
- Paprika – Adds beautiful golden color and subtle smoky warmth
- Ground black pepper – Provides gentle heat that complements the buttery crackers
For the Binding Mixture:
- Large egg – Acts as an adhesive to help the coating stick and creates a golden color
- Milk – Thins the egg mixture for easier coating and adds tenderness
For Finishing:
- Butter – Drizzled on top to enhance browning and add richness
Can I Only Use Ritz Crackers?
Nope! While the name of this recipe is Ritz Cracker chicken, you can use a different type of cracker. If you are gluten-free, you might try one of your favorite gluten-free crackers instead.
Or, if you simply do not have any Ritz Crackers on hand, you can use Cheez-Its or something similar in texture.
Ritz Crackers are ideal because, while they are crackers, they are softer versions of crackers. The Ritz’s softness is what makes it so wonderful as a breading for the chicken strips. It will absorb some of the beaten egg and milk mixture, which is what gives you that glorious crispy breading once baked.
Plus, they have an excellent buttery taste, which adds more depth of flavor as well.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken
- Place the Ritz cracker crumbs, salt, paprika, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Whisk or stir to combine.
- Place the egg and the milk in a separate bowl and whisk to combine.
- Dip the chicken strips in the milk/egg mixture, and then coat them in the cracker mixture.
- Place the coated chicken in a lightly greased baking dish. Drizzle melted butter on top.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.
Ways to Use Leftover Ritz Cracker Chicken
There are many ways to make the best of your leftovers. Here are a few suggestions:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and put them on a mixed green salad with more of your favorite toppings.
- Make a wrap using burrito shells filled with chicken strips, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
- Make a sandwich with Texas Toast. Add cheese and a tasty spread like barbecue, buffalo, or ranch dressing.
- Use it in Chicken Spaghetti Bake to transform it into a unique Ritz cracker chicken casserole.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper Storage Methods
Refrigeration: Cool completely and store in airtight containers for 4-5 days. Proper sealing prevents moisture absorption that causes sogginess.
Freezing: Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Food Safety: Always cool chicken within 2 hours of cooking and maintain refrigerator temperature below 40°F.
Reheating for Best Results
Air Fryer Method (Recommended):
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy
- This method best preserves the original texture
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Place on baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes
- May result in slightly drier texture but maintains crispiness
Microwave (Quick but Less Ideal):
- Place on paper towel to absorb excess moisture
- Heat in 45-second intervals
- Results in softer coating but convenient for quick meals
What to Serve with Ritz Cracker Chicken
- Baked Red Potatoes
- Boiled Carrots Recipe
- Easy Broccoli Casserole
- Fried Okra
- Jiffy Cream Corn Casserole
- Jojo Fries
- KFC Coleslaw
- Martha Stewart Macaroni and Cheese
- Old Fashioned Asparagus Casserole
- Yellow Squash Casserole
Popular Chicken Recipes
Check out more of my easy chicken recipes and the best budget-friendly recipes here on CopyKat!
Thanks to chrissiemc for sharing this recipe.
Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken (Easy Baked Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast strips
- 35 Ritz crackers crushed into fine crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 egg beaten
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine the Ritz cracker crumbs, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Stir.
- In a separate bowl, combine the egg and the milk. Stir.
- Dip the chicken strips in the milk/egg mixture, and then coat in the cracker mixture.
- Put the chicken in the baking dish, drizzle the melted butter on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
An ex-boyfriend & I did a lot of fishing together. He said he had a recipe from a TV fishing guide host that he wanted me to try. Since my first taste, I have never fried my fish in anything other than this recipe. At first I turned my nose up at the thought of Walleye being coated in Ritz crackers & nutmeg? This is sooooo good! I never thought of trying it on chicken, but now that I’ve seen this recipe I will definitely try it.
* Ritz crackers crushed finely
*1/2 cup flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
*dash of pepper
*1 egg beaten well
*2 – 3 tablespoons milk
*fish of your choice but buy Walleye or go catch it yourself!
1. dip cleaned fish fillets in beaten mixture of egg, milk, nutmeg, salt & pepper
2.dip fillets into flour
3. dip fillets back into egg, milk, spices mixture quickly so as to not loose much of flour
4. dip/press fillets into crushed Ritz crackers
5. pan fry with small amount of oil on both sides until golden
6. drain on paper towels
We’ve done this in the oven (even without butter) and have loved it! Can I do it in the air fryer?
I think this would be a great air fryer recipe. I would cook it at 350 degrees. I am guessing bone-in pieces would take about 18-22 minutes to cook.
Is the cook time 30 min. or one hour. There are two different times given.
Made this and again a big hit and I’m going to make it again tonight mine looked just like the picture I wish I could post pictures here thanks again for your great work
You could send me one of your photos 😉
Chicken looked nothing like the picture, and there was nothing in it that would make it spicy. That being said, it was still good. I did turn the chicken over half way through the cooking then put it on a cooling rack after i took it out so the bottom wouldnt get soggy. I would make this again.
The chicken had good flavor, but the bottom of chicken was not crispy because of the butter. My chicken did not look like the picture.
I am sorry your food didn’t look like the picture!
Here is the recipe