Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken

Ingredients (Quantities):

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 4 (about 1.5 lbs)
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
• Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
• Onion powder: ½ teaspoon

For the Coating:

• Ritz crackers: 1 ½ cups (crushed)
• Parmesan cheese (grated): ½ cup
• Dried parsley: 1 tablespoon
• Paprika: ½ teaspoon
• Eggs: 2 (beaten)
• Milk: 2 tablespoons

For Baking:

• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick, melted)

Optional Ingredients:

• Hot sauce: for seasoning the chicken
• Lemon wedges: for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with the spice mixture.

3. Prepare the Coating:

• In a large bowl, crush the Ritz crackers until fine crumbs are formed. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and paprika.
• In another bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and milk.

4. Coat the Chicken:

• Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge the chicken in the crushed Ritz cracker mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the chicken.

5. Bake the Chicken:

• Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or brush melted butter over the top of each chicken breast.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the coating is golden brown.

6. Serve:

• Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with lemon wedges for added flavor if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Crushing crackers: Place the Ritz crackers in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin for a mess-free method.
• Extra crunch: For a crunchier texture, you can spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray before baking.
• Dipping sauce: Serve with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Recommendations:

• Pair this dish with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best results.

Nutrition (per serving, estimated):

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg

Enjoy this Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken—a crunchy, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!