Description
The “Crispy Ritz Chicken Delight” is a culinary treat that expertly marries the tender juiciness of chicken fillets with the iconic crunch of Ritz crackers. Coated with a savory blend of spices and Parmesan, this dish is not only delightful to the palate but also visually appealing, making it a perfect centerpiece for family dinners. Quick to prepare, this recipe is tailored to busy lifestyles without compromising on flavor or quality.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 1 cup crushed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, optional, for garnish
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375F (190C). Either grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to ready it for the chicken.
2. Prepare the Coating
Use a food processor or a rolling pin to crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. In a shallow dish, combine the cracker crumbs with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken fillet first into the melted butter to ensure it’s well-coated. Follow by dredging the buttered chicken in the prepared cracker mixture, pressing gently to secure the crumbs on all sides of the chicken.
4. Bake the Chicken
Arrange the coated chicken fillets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), with the crust turning golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve
Once fully cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Add a garnish of freshly chopped parsley if desired, and pair with side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves 4 and takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 30 minutes for cooking.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through to maintain crispiness. Microwaving is not recommended as it may soften the crust.
Conclusion
The Crispy Ritz Chicken Delight is a testament to the harmony of simplicity and flavor. With its easy preparation and delectable outcome, it’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire, enchanting everyone at the dinner table with its scrumptious, crispy exterior and succulent interior. Enjoy the smiles all around when you present this dish, certain to be requested time and again.
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Crispy Ritz Chicken Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
The “Crispy Ritz Chicken Delight” is a culinary treat that expertly marries the tender juiciness of chicken fillets with the iconic crunch of Ritz crackers. Coated with a savory blend of spices and Parmesan, this dish is not only delightful to the palate but also visually appealing, making it a perfect centerpiece for family dinners. Quick to prepare, this recipe is tailored to busy lifestyles without compromising on flavor or quality.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 1 cup crushed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375F (190C). Either grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to ready it for the chicken.
- Prepare the Coating: Use a food processor or a rolling pin to crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. In a shallow dish, combine the cracker crumbs with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken fillet first into the melted butter to ensure it’s well-coated. Follow by dredging the buttered chicken in the prepared cracker mixture, pressing gently to secure the crumbs on all sides of the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken fillets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), with the crust turning golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Once fully cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Add a garnish of freshly chopped parsley if desired, and pair with side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes