If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea, this Crispy Butter Chicken is a must-try! With a golden, crunchy coating and tender, juicy chicken, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare. The combination of buttery richness and savory seasonings makes it a perfect weeknight meal or a special treat for family gatherings. Plus, it’s baked, not fried, so you can enjoy a healthier version of crispy chicken without sacrificing flavor.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Juicy: The Ritz cracker coating creates a perfect golden crust, while the butter keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the buttery, crunchy goodness of this dish.
- Versatile: Pair it with your favorite sides or use the chicken in sandwiches, salads, or wraps.
Ingredients Breakdown
Eggs: Help the cracker coating adhere to the chicken for a crispy crust.
Ritz Cracker Crumbs: Create a buttery, crunchy coating with a hint of savory flavor.
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Garlic Salt & Black Pepper: Enhance the taste with a touch of seasoning.
Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish—juicy, tender, and perfectly crispy when baked.
Butter: Adds richness and helps the cracker coating turn golden brown while baking.
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Tips and Tricks
- Even Coating: For extra crispiness, press the cracker crumbs firmly onto the chicken.
- Butter Distribution: Place the butter pieces evenly across the chicken to ensure every bite is rich and flavorful.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the cracker crumbs for a hint of heat.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the chicken before baking.
- Herb Flavor: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the cracker crumbs for added depth.
Pairing Suggestions
- Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.
- Sauces: Pair with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic sauce for dipping.
- Bread: Add a side of warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to complete the meal.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Popular Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes! You can substitute Ritz crackers with saltines, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes.
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2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.
3. How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Make sure to press the crumbs firmly onto the chicken and let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before baking.
Crispy Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Golden, buttery, and crispy, this oven-baked Crispy Butter Chicken features tender chicken breasts in a seasoned Ritz cracker crust, baked to perfection with melted butter. Simple, flavorful comfort food!
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the Ritz cracker crumbs with garlic salt and black pepper.
- In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Press the chicken into the cracker mixture, turning to coat evenly on all sides.
- Arrange and Add Butter:
- Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the butter pieces on top of the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use olive oil or cooking spray instead of butter.
- If you don’t have garlic salt, you can use regular salt and add 1/4 tsp of garlic powder to the cracker crumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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