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Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken

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Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Garlic pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the Coating:
  • In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg and 1/4 cup of milk.
  • Place the crushed Ritz crackers in a separate shallow dish.
  • Place the shredded cheddar cheese in a third shallow dish.
  1. Season and Coat the Chicken:
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and garlic pepper to taste.
  • Dip each chicken breast first into the egg and milk mixture, then press shredded cheese onto the chicken, and finally coat it with the crushed Ritz crackers.
  1. Bake the Chicken:
    Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is crispy and golden.
  2. Prepare the Sauce:
    While the chicken is baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
    Add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1/4 cup of milk. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
  3. Serve:
    Serve the chicken hot, with the creamy sauce poured over the top.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken!

Tips for Making Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken

  1. Crushing the Ritz Crackers:
    To get a fine, even crumb for coating the chicken, place the Ritz crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin. You can also pulse them in a food processor for a finer texture.
  2. Cheese Coating:
    Press the shredded cheddar cheese firmly onto the chicken after dipping it in the egg mixture. This helps the cheese adhere better and creates a more flavorful, crispy coating.
  3. Preventing Cheese from Melting Off:
    To keep the cheese from melting too quickly and slipping off the chicken, make sure the chicken is well-coated with the cracker crumbs, which will help seal the cheese in place.
  4. Using a Rack:
    If you want extra crispiness, place the coated chicken breasts on a wire rack set over the baking pan. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, resulting in a crispier crust.
  5. Sauce Consistency:
    If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of milk slightly or let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes to thicken. For a thinner sauce, add a bit more milk.
  6. Customizing the Flavor:
    Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the cracker crumbs or cheese mixture for an extra burst of flavor. Paprika, Italian seasoning, or dried thyme work well.
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FAQs about Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well.

2. What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use any other type of buttery cracker or even panko breadcrumbs for a similar texture.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time, coat it, and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. However, the cracker coating may lose some of its crispiness if stored for too long.

4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz and ensuring that all other ingredients, like the cream of chicken soup, are gluten-free.

6. What side dishes go well with this chicken?
This chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, including mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a simple garden salad.

7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness. The sauce can also be frozen separately.

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