Ritz Chicken

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Chicken
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Ritz Chicken
4. How To Serve Baked Ritz Cracker Chicken
5. Why You'll Love This Buttery Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

Ritz cracker chicken bakes up golden and crunchy with juicy, tender chicken inside. This easy recipe needs only a few simple ingredients. Everyone loves the buttery cracker crust and the rich, creamy flavor in every bite. Make it for dinner tonight and watch it disappear fast!

This recipe is quick and easy to make at home—just follow the guide below. We’ve included step-by-step photos and simple directions, so you never miss a step. Don’t skip the pro tips, tricks, and FAQ section packed with answers to the most common questions. 

This Ritz cracker chicken bake takes just fifty minutes from start to finish and turns out hot, crispy, and full of flavor. The buttery cracker crust adds crunch, while the sour cream keeps the chicken juicy and tender.

Make this easy chicken recipe for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or picky eaters—everyone always comes back for seconds. You’ll love how fast it comes together with just a few pantry staples.

What you'll need to make this Ritz cracker chicken recipe:

• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers, about 50 crackers
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, about 2 pounds total
• ½ cup butter, melted

Make your Ritz cracker crusted chicken your own by swapping a few ingredients or tossing in flavorful extras! These easy changes boost taste and keep dinner exciting. Here are some of the best substitutions and additions:

ONION POWDER: You can use onion flakes as a substitute for onion powder. Use a 1:1 ratio.

CHICKEN BREASTS: Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts as a great substitute. Some people like dark meat better than white, and they cook up juicy too. 

CHEESE: Cheese is always a great addition to any recipe. There are a couple of different ways to incorporate cheese in this recipe. You could add Parmesan cheese to your spice/crumb mixture, or you could sprinkle cheddar cheese on top of the chicken at the end of baking for a gooey melted topper.

Follow along with our step-by-step instructions and helpful photos to make this crispy Ritz cracker chicken tonight. Don’t skip the tips and tricks below—they help everything turn out just right. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside.

SECOND STEP: In a medium shallow bowl or a pie plate, whisk together the egg and milk. Set it aside.

THIRD STEP: Get another pie plate or shallow bowl and gently mix together the Ritz cracker crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, ground black pepper, and poultry seasoning.

FOURTH STEP: One at a time, dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture and then dredge them in the crumb mixture, making sure to thoroughly coat each piece. Then place the coated chicken in the prepared casserole dish.

FIFTH STEP: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the chicken. Bake it for 40 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink inside or a meat thermometer reads an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serve this Ritz chicken in fun, simple ways that fit any season or crowd. It’s great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and picky eaters.

• Family Dinner: This crispy chicken makes busy weeknights easy and tasty. Kids love the buttery crust and juicy bites. Pair it with cheesy mashed potatoes and corn casserole for a full meal.
• Potlucks and Gatherings: This chicken travels well and stays crispy, which makes it perfect for sharing. Everyone grabs seconds. Serve it with mushroom rice and Mexican street corn dip.
• Cozy Cold-Weather Meal: The crunchy coating and warm filling hit the spot on chilly days. It’s pure comfort food. Add creamy potato soup and easy bacon cheddar biscuits for a hearty, cozy dinner.

Ritz cracker chicken is one of those easy dinners that checks every box and is always a hit with our readers. It’s no surprise this buttery, crispy chicken keeps showing up on dinner tables year-round.

This crispy baked chicken keeps things simple with quick prep and pantry staples, making it a go-to for busy nights. The buttery cracker crust bakes up golden and crispy, while the inside stays juicy and tender—no guesswork, just solid results every time.

Kids love it, grown-ups ask for seconds, and you don’t need expensive ingredients to make it taste great. Whether you’re feeding the family on a weeknight or craving something warm and comforting, this easy chicken dinner never disappoints.

Here are the top questions readers ask about making this easy baked chicken recipe. These tips will help everything go smoothly from start to finish.

How fine should I crush the Ritz crackers for the coating?
Crush the Ritz crackers into small crumbs. They should still have some texture, not turn into powder.

Does the Ritz cracker coating get crispy in the oven?
Yes, the Ritz cracker coating gets crispy when baked. Make sure to preheat your oven and don’t cover the chicken.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Check the thickest part of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F for safe and juicy results.

Do I need to flip the chicken while baking?
No, you don’t need to flip the chicken. Just bake it uncovered, so the top gets golden and crunchy.

What’s the best way to serve Ritz cracker chicken at a dinner party?
This easy chicken recipe works all year long for dinner parties, potlucks and get-togethers. Serve it in summer or winter—everyone will ask for seconds. Slice the chicken into smaller pieces before serving. This makes it easier for guests to grab and enjoy without cutting.

Is Ritz cracker chicken a good choice for picky eaters?
Yes, picky eaters love Ritz cracker chicken. The buttery cracker crust and simple flavors always go over well with kids.

Should I serve Ritz cracker chicken right after baking?
Yes, serve the chicken hot from the oven. That way, the crust stays crispy and the inside stays juicy.

How should I keep leftover chicken?
Let the chicken cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I freeze Ritz chicken?
Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or wrap it in plastic and seal it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months.

Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F for twenty to twenty-five minutes until hot and crispy.