Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken

Introduction

When I first tried Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But after the first bite, I was hooked. The golden, crispy coating from the Ritz crackers, combined with the creamy cheddar cheese and savory sauce, made for the ultimate comfort food. It quickly became a family favorite in our house, and I love how simple and quick it is to prepare. The Ritz crackers give the chicken an irresistible crunch, while the creamy sauce adds a rich, flavorful finish. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for a special dinner, this recipe is a winner. My family absolutely loves it, and it’s always met with compliments when I serve it to guests.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (Roasted Vegetable flavor recommended)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Garlic pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick while baking.
2. Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg and 1/4 cup of milk. In another shallow dish, place the crushed Ritz crackers. In a third dish, add the shredded cheddar cheese. Season the chicken breasts with salt and garlic pepper to taste.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg and milk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, press the shredded cheddar cheese onto the chicken. Finally, coat each breast with the crushed Ritz crackers, making sure it’s evenly covered.
4. Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts onto the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is golden and crispy. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1/4 cup of milk. Whisk everything together until well combined and heated through. Continue to whisk until the sauce reaches a smooth consistency.
6. Serve: Once the chicken is baked, serve it hot with the creamy sauce poured over the top. The combination of the crispy chicken and the creamy, savory sauce is sure to please everyone at the table.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: 505 kcal
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Sodium: 1050mg
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: Serve this crispy chicken with a side of mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
• With Vegetables: Pair the chicken with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots for a well-rounded meal.
• With a Salad: For a lighter meal, serve the chicken with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken.
• For Meal Prep: Make this dish in advance and store it for an easy lunch the next day.

Additional Tips

1. Use Thin Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are too thick, they may take longer to cook. You can either pound them out to an even thickness or use thinly sliced chicken breasts for faster cooking.
2. Add Extra Crunch: If you want an extra crunchy coating, try adding a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the crushed Ritz crackers before coating the chicken.
3. Make it Spicy: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the coating mixture.
4. Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and reduce the salt in the recipe to make this dish lower in sodium.
5. Dairy-Free Version: If you need a dairy-free version, you can use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives in the sauce and coating mixture.

Recipe Variations

• Herbed Chicken: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to the coating mixture for added flavor.
• Bacon-Topped: Add crumbled bacon on top of the chicken breasts before baking for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Different Sauces: Instead of the cream of chicken soup sauce, you can make a garlic cream sauce or a mushroom sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth, dairy-free milk, and plant-based cheese to create a vegetarian version of this dish. You can substitute the chicken with breaded tofu or tempeh for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• With Garlic Bread: Pair the crispy chicken with garlic bread for a comforting side. The bread will help soak up any leftover sauce.
• With a Side of Pasta: Serve the chicken with a side of pasta like spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine for a hearty meal.
• With Roasted Vegetables: For a complete meal, serve the chicken with roasted vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Leftover crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a crispy finish or in the microwave for convenience.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked chicken breasts before adding the sauce. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake the frozen chicken in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through, then add the sauce.
• Sauce Storage: Store any leftover sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
   Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well in this recipe and add extra juiciness.
2. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chicken and bake it ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and reheat it before serving with the sauce.
3. What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
   You can use crushed saltine crackers or Panko breadcrumbs as an alternative to Ritz crackers.
4. Can I use a different cheese for the coating?
   Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, simply use gluten-free crackers and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make this dish gluten-free.
6. How can I make the sauce spicier?
   Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small amount of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
7. Can I make the sauce without sour cream?
   Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt or use extra milk for a slightly thinner sauce.
8. What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
   You can make a homemade cream of chicken soup using milk, butter, and chicken broth, thickened with flour or cornstarch.
9. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
   For an extra crispy finish, try adding some Panko breadcrumbs to the Ritz crackers or spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray before baking.
10. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
    Yes, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours. After cooking, coat the chicken with the Ritz cracker mixture and bake for a few minutes to crisp up.

Conclusion

Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken is the ultimate comfort food. With its crunchy coating, tender chicken, and rich, creamy sauce, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. This recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy it as a weeknight dinner or as part of a special meal, it’s a dish that always impresses. The combination of flavors and textures in each bite makes this chicken irresistible, and the creamy sauce brings it all together. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become your new favorite go-to dinner!

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