Description
Oven-Fried Ritz Cracker Chicken
Crispy, buttery, foolproof chicken made with crushed Ritz crackers for the perfect golden crunch — no fryer required!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), finely crushed
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
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2 large eggs
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½ cup flour
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1–2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces (optional but amazing for browning)
Instructions
1. Prep the Oven
Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil. If you want extra crispiness, place a wire rack on top.
2. Crush the Crackers
In a bowl, combine:
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Crushed Ritz crackers
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Salt
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Pepper
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Paprika (optional)
Mix well.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station
Prepare three shallow bowls:
1️⃣ Flour
2️⃣ Eggs, beaten
3️⃣ Seasoned cracker crumbs
4. Bread the Chicken
One piece at a time:
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Coat in flour (shake off excess)
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Dip in egg
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Press into cracker crumbs until fully coated
Place on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Add Butter (Optional but recommended!)
Dot small pieces of butter on top of the breaded chicken.
This helps the coating turn golden and crisp in the oven.
6. Bake
Bake for 25–45 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces:
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Thin breasts: 25–30 minutes
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Thick breasts: 35–45 minutes
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Thighs: 30–35 minutes
Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 75°C / 165°F.
7. Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Enjoy the buttery crunch!
Notes
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Don’t crush the crackers too fine. A little texture = more crunch.
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Use a wire rack if you want an evenly crispy bottom.
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Add seasoning to the crumbs, not the flour. That’s where flavor clings best.
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Thighs stay juicier than breasts if you prefer darker meat.