That winter evening when my grandchildren bundled in with pink cheeks from playing outside, I wanted something warm and crunchy that would make them pause before diving into their cocoa. I glanced at the pantry and saw a sleeve of Ritz crackers—salty, buttery, nostalgic.
In that moment, I remembered how my mother used to crush them for pot roast topping and thought, “Why not chicken?” I spread mayonnaise over four skinless breasts and pressed them into that golden Ritz-Parmesan mixture.
The aroma that filled the kitchen as they baked at 190°C was tempting, rich butter and savory cheese, whispering comfort. My granddaughter hovered by the oven, asking if it was done yet. When I finally pulled them out, the crust was crisp and golden, and cutting into one released a satisfying crunch. Inside, the chicken stayed juicy and tender.
We garnished with fresh parsley and sat around our little table, plates going empty with every forkful. My husband declared it “just like restaurant quality.” I tucked their comments in my heart—good, honest praise for a simple, beloved meal. And that’s why this recipe lives here now—because every bite speaks of home, warmth, and shared moments.
Short Description
Crispy Chicken Breasts Coated In Savory Ritz Crackers delivers a golden, crunchy crust made from Ritz crackers and Parmesan, with juicy chicken inside—easy, delicious, and family-friendly.
Key Ingredients
Main Components
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (90 g) crushed Ritz crackers
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touch
-
Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Tools Needed
- Baking dish (approx. 9×13 cm)
- Mixing bowl
- Food-safe plastic bag or rolling pin (for crushing crackers)
- Spatula
- Meat thermometer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 190 °C. Grease baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Crumbs
Combine crushed Ritz, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until uniform.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Spread mayonnaise over each breast evenly with a spatula. Press into the crumb mixture until each piece is fully coated and crumbs adhere well.
Step 4: Bake
Arrange chicken in the greased dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the exterior is golden and a meat thermometer reads at least 74 °C (juices run clear).
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Remove from oven. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Ritz crackers and Parmesan deliver a buttery-savory crunch that complements the tender chicken.
Quick and Easy: Just four main components—prepare, bake, and serve in under an hour.
Kid-Approved: Crunchy coating and mild flavor make this a hit with children.
Versatile: Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or cutlets—great for weeknights or casual dinners.
No-Fuss Gourmet: Looks and tastes special, yet requires minimal effort and ingredients.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Crumbs Falling Off
Solution: Press coating firmly onto mayonnaise-covered chicken and let rest 5 minutes before baking.
Dry Chicken Interior
Solution: Don’t overbake, remove at 74 °C or when juices run clear, around 25 minutes.
Uneven Browning
Solution: Turn breasts halfway for consistent golden crust on both sides.
Soggy Bottom
Solution: Use a greased dish and bake on the middle rack for proper air circulation.
Low Crust Flavor
Solution: Use freshly grated Parmesan for better taste and texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve on warm plates with lemon wedges for brightness
Pair with roasted vegetables or green salad for complete meal
Plated individually for an evening dinner or family-style on a platter
Enjoy with crisp white wine, iced tea, or sparkling water
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days
Reheat: Reheat at 175 °C for 10 minutes to restore crunch; avoid microwave
Freeze: Cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze up to 2 months; bake directly from freezer at 190 °C for 30–35 minutes
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, even juicier when cooked to 74 °C; adjust timing to 30–35 minutes baking.
2. What if I’m out of Ritz crackers?
Use similar buttery crackers or crushed saltine crackers—adjust seasoning taste as needed.
3. Can I add herbs to the crumb mix?
Yes, sprinkle in 1 Tbsp chopped parsley or ½ tsp dried thyme for extra flavor.
4. Is mayo necessary?
It helps crumbs stick and adds moisture. You can substitute Greek yogurt, but expect a different texture.
5. How to make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cracker crumbs and check Parmesan for gluten-free certification.
Tips & Tricks
Crush crackers in a sealed bag for uniform crumbs
Let coated chicken rest in refrigerator 5 minutes to firm crust
Rotate dish halfway through baking for even browning
Use fresh Parmesan for authentic nutty flavor
For extra crisp, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watch closely
Recipe Variations
Herby Ritz Chicken
Add 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) to crumb mix. Follow same steps.
Spicy Kick Version
Stir ½ tsp Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into crumbs for a smoky heat.
Cheddar-Crusted Chicken
Replace Parmesan with ½ cup finely shredded sharp cheddar for a sharper crust.
Low-Calorie Option
Substitute olive oil spray for mayonnaise; the crust crisps slightly differently but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Breasts Coated In Savory Ritz Crackers always brings a moment of warmth to my table. Watching that golden crust crackle under the knife and revealing tender, juicy meat inside brings a quiet joy. I’ve served it when my grandchildren drop in unexpectedly, and once to cheer up a friend recovering from an illness, they said it tasted like a hug in dinner form.
The simplicity delights me: just good ingredients, a little technique, and heartfelt flavor. Trust that this chicken will bring smiles at your own table, and maybe even a moment where everything else pauses for that satisfying crunch.
Delicious Crispy Chicken Breasts Coated In Savory Ritz Crackers
Print ThisIngredients
- Main Components
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (90 g) crushed Ritz crackers
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise
- Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Finishing Touch
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 190°C. Lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Mix Crumb Coating
Stir together crushed Ritz, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 3: Coat Chicken
Spread mayonnaise on chicken breasts. Press each into crumb mixture until fully coated.
Step 4: Bake
Place in dish and bake 25–30 minutes, until golden and cooked through (74°C internal temp).
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
