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Ritzy Cheddar Chicken Breasts Recipe

Ritzy Cheddar Chicken Breasts Recipe

5 from 13 reviews

Ritzy Cheddar Chicken Breasts is a deliciously cheesy and crunchy baked chicken dish featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts topped with a crispy Ritz cracker crust and a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. This easy-to-make recipe combines a creamy mayonnaise base with savory garlic and onion powder for a flavorful, family-friendly meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)

Cheese and Topping

  • 1 cup finely crushed Ritz crackers
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the chicken with a crispy crust.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the topping adhere better and promotes even cooking.
  3. Mix the topping: In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings and cheeses.
  4. Apply mayonnaise layer: Spread an even layer of mayonnaise over the top of each chicken breast. This not only helps the cracker mixture stick but also keeps the chicken moist and adds a creamy flavor.
  5. Coat chicken with topping: Press the cracker and cheese mixture firmly onto the mayonnaise-coated side of each chicken breast to create a crust layer that will crisp up in the oven.
  6. Bake the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Rest and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

  • You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though it may affect the crust texture slightly.
  • Ensure chicken breasts are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
  • The Ritz cracker topping can be crushed more finely or coarsely depending on your preferred texture.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ritzy Cheddar Chicken, baked chicken breasts, Ritz cracker chicken, cheesy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner