Ritz Cracker Chicken: A Delectable Twist on Classic Comfort
Indulge in the delightful fusion of tender chicken, rich cheeses, and the unmistakable crunch of Ritz crackers with this easy-to-follow Ritz Cracker Chicken recipe. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or when entertaining guests, this dish elevates the humble chicken tenderloin to new heights of flavor and texture.
Cooking time :
The total cooking time for this Ritz Cracker Chicken recipe is approximately 55 minutes.
- Initial Bake: Covered with foil, bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through while the flavors meld and intensify.
- Final Bake: After the initial 45 minutes, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step is crucial to achieve a golden-brown finish on the Ritz cracker and Parmesan topping, adding a delightful crunch to the dish.
Always ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it is fully cooked. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken tenderloins, so it’s a good practice to check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 pounds of chicken tenderloins
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 roll of Ritz crackers
- 1 stick of unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Make the Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Mix the ingredients well until you have a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Layer the Chicken:
- Spoon the cheese mixture over the seasoned chicken, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
- Prepare the Cracker Topping:
- In another bowl, crush the Ritz crackers.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the crushed crackers and mix well.
- Add Cracker Topping:
- Sprinkle the cracker and Parmesan mixture over the chicken, ensuring an even coating.
- Drizzle with Melted Butter:
- Melt the unsalted butter, and drizzle it over the top of the chicken and cracker mixture.
- Cover and Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake Again:
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the Ritz Cracker Chicken with your favorite side dish, such as rice or vegetables.
Here are some tips to ensure your Ritz Cracker Chicken turns out perfectly:
- Even Chicken Thickness:
- If your chicken tenderloins vary in thickness, consider pounding them to an even thickness. This ensures uniform cooking, preventing some pieces from drying out while others are still undercooked.
- Proper Seasoning:
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Quality Ingredients:
- Use high-quality mayonnaise, fresh garlic, and good-quality cheeses for the best flavor. Fresh and flavorful ingredients contribute significantly to the final taste of the dish.
- Cheese Mixture Consistency:
- Ensure the cheese mixture is well-blended and has a smooth consistency. This will help it spread evenly over the chicken.
- Crush the Crackers Well:
- When preparing the cracker topping, make sure to crush the Ritz crackers finely. This creates a more cohesive and crunchy topping.
- Melted Butter Distribution:
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire dish to ensure all parts receive a buttery touch. This contributes to a golden-brown and flavorful finish.
- Monitor Cooking Time:
- Keep an eye on the chicken during the covered baking time to avoid overcooking. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Crispy Finish:
- If you prefer an even crispier topping, you can broil the dish for a couple of minutes at the end. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This lets the juices redistribute within the chicken, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful bite.
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Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Ritz Cracker Chicken with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to create a well-balanced and satisfying meal.