Description

This recipe features boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a savory, cheesy Ritz cracker crust and oven-baked to golden perfection. It is a quick and easy family-friendly meal, perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious crunch and juicy interior.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or tenders), cut into 4-6 even pieces
1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or Monterey Jack)
1.5 sleeves (approx. 4.7 oz / 133 g) Ritz crackers (or similar buttery crackers)
0.25 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
0.5 tsp smoked paprika
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
0.5 cup (120 g) mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt)

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pat the chicken pieces very dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper to ensure the coating adheres well.
Make the Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth and fragrant.
Crush the Crackers: In another shallow dish, finely crush the crackers (e.g., in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin) until they form fine crumbs with a sandy texture. Stir in the melted butter and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to form the cracker crust.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the mayo mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, press firmly into the cracker mixture, turning to coat completely, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
Bake to Crispy Perfection: Place the coated chicken pieces in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of each piece. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C), the crust is golden brown and bubbling, and the juices run clear.

Notes

Customize by using chicken thighs, different cheeses (like Colby), or adding hot sauce/Dijon mustard to the mayo. For a less processed feel, try whole wheat crackers or panko breadcrumbs. Patting chicken dry is crucial for crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the baking dish to ensure proper air circulation. Using thinner chicken cutlets can reduce baking time by 5-8 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 170 g)
Calories: 600 calories
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 40 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 45 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: easy dinner, crispy chicken, oven baked, cracker crust, cheddar, family meal, quick prep, weeknight, chicken breasts, buttery crackers