Are you craving a delicious, crispy chicken dinner that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This recipe for baked chicken with Ritz crackers delivers perfectly crunchy chicken breasts without the fuss of deep frying. It's a fantastic option for busy weeknights, a crowd-pleasing dish for family gatherings, and a great way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful homemade meal. Get ready to experience the delightful crunch in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, finely crushed (about 1 sleeve)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This simple step prevents sticking and makes the clean-up process a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Ritz Cracker Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the cracker crumbs. This creates a flavorful and crispy coating that’s key to this recipe.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the cracker mixture, pressing gently to ensure it's fully coated. Make sure the chicken is generously covered for maximum crunch.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy, delicious chicken with a side of your favorite vegetables or a fresh salad. This makes a complete and healthy meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken:
- Crush the crackers finely: For optimal crunch, make sure to crush the Ritz crackers into a fine crumb. You can use a food processor or a zip-top bag and a rolling pin.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish: Give the chicken breasts enough space to bake evenly. If necessary, bake them in batches.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. This guarantees a safe and enjoyable meal.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cracker mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb-infused Chicken: Incorporate dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheese Lovers Delight: Increase the amount of Parmesan cheese for a richer, cheesier coating.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy recipe for crispy baked chicken with Ritz crackers is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of crispy coating and juicy chicken is irresistible, and the simple ingredients make it a breeze to prepare. Try it out and enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal!