The Comforting Embrace of Ritz Cracker Chicken Parmesan

There are some dishes that just feel like home, no matter where you are. For me, Ritz Cracker Chicken Parmesan is one of those culinary anchors. I remember my grandmother making this on chilly evenings, the aroma of melting cheese and buttery crumbs wafting from her kitchen, promising a warm, satisfying meal. It wasn’t just the taste, though that was undeniably delicious; it was the ritual of it all, the simple elegance of transforming humble ingredients into something so beloved. This recipe, with its distinctively crisp, golden crust and tender chicken, has been a quiet staple in my repertoire, a go-to when I crave that perfect blend of comforting flavors and delightful textures.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 servings
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

This recipe calls for a few key components to achieve its signature flavor and texture.

For the Ritz Cracker Crust:

• 34 Ritz crackers, broken into pieces (approximately 4 1/2 ounces or 1 sleeve)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

For the Chicken and Assembly:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 six-ounce chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, and pounded to 1/2 inch thick
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 1/2 cups marinara sauce, bottled
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Food processor
• Large bowls (at least three)
• Whisk
• Large skillet
• Spatula

Instructions

Crafting this delightful dish is a straightforward process, allowing even novice cooks to achieve impressive results.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your Chicken Parmesan doesn’t stick.

2. Create the Crumb Mixture: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the 34 Ritz crackers, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper. Process these ingredients until the mixture forms fine crumbs, which should take about 20 seconds. Set this mixture aside.

3. Set Up Your Dredging Stations: Prepare three large bowls. Place the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour in the first bowl. In the second bowl, beat the 2 large eggs with the 1/2 cup of milk until they are frothy and well combined. In the third bowl, place half of the Ritz cracker and Parmesan mixture that you prepared in step 2. This will be your final coating.

4. Coat the Chicken: Working with one chicken breast at a time, first roll it in the flour, ensuring it is thoroughly coated on all sides. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg and milk mixture, turning to coat evenly. Finally, transfer the egg-coated chicken to the bowl with the Ritz cracker crumb mixture, turning it to ensure the chicken is completely coated with the crumbs. Carefully transfer the coated chicken to a clean plate or platter.

   • Chef’s Note: At this stage, you can prepare the chicken several hours in advance. Simply cover the coated chicken breasts and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to proceed with cooking. This is a fantastic make-ahead step for busy weeknights.

5. Sear the Chicken: Melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter with the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, carefully add the Ritz cracker-coated chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This searing step is crucial for developing a beautiful golden color and an extra layer of flavor.

6. Assemble and Bake: Spread enough of the bottled marinara sauce to thickly coat the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Arrange the seared chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring they are generously covered. Then, top each breast with the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the remaining Ritz cracker and Parmesan mixture over the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown and melted, which should take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Expert Tips & Tricks

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, but a few insider tips can elevate it even further.

• Cracker Consistency: For an even coating, ensure your Ritz cracker crumbs are consistently fine. If using a food processor, give it a few extra seconds of processing if some pieces remain too large.
• Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even 1/2 inch thickness ensures they cook uniformly. This prevents the thinner edges from drying out while the thicker parts are still cooking.
• Don’t Skimp on the Sear: That initial searing step in butter and oil isn’t just for color; it adds a foundational layer of flavor and texture that a purely baked crust can’t replicate.
• Sauce Level: Be generous with the marinara sauce. It not only adds moisture but also prevents the bottom crumbs from burning during baking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Parmesan is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it piping hot, straight from the oven, perhaps garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

• Serving: Wonderful alongside a simple green salad, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or a classic pasta dish. A crusty Italian bread is also perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place individual portions on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and the topping is crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, or in the microwave, though the crust will soften.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving. Please note that these values can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	998.7 kcal
Calories from Fat	500 kcal	50%
Total Fat	55.6 g	85%
Saturated Fat	21 g	105%
Cholesterol	253.9 mg	84%
Sodium	1870.1 mg	77%
Total Carbohydrate	64.1 g	21%
Dietary Fiber	7 g	27%
Sugars	22.8 g	91%
Protein	57.9 g	115%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is classic and delicious, feel free to experiment!

• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free crackers (like certain rice crackers or almond flour crackers) for the Ritz crackers. Ensure your flour is also gluten-free, perhaps using a rice flour or almond flour blend.
• Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate dried Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme into the Ritz cracker crumb mixture for an added layer of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or the crumb mixture for a touch of heat.
• Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is traditional, a blend of mozzarella and provolone or a sprinkle of Parmesan over the top before baking can add delightful complexity.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will also work beautifully. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

Q: My Ritz cracker crumbs are too coarse. What can I do?
A: If your food processor isn’t yielding fine enough crumbs, you can place the broken crackers in a sturdy zip-top bag, seal it, and then crush them with a rolling pin until they reach your desired consistency.

Q: How can I make the crumb coating extra crispy?
A: Ensure your skillet is hot enough for searing, and don’t overcrowd the pan. This allows the crumbs to brown properly rather than steam. For an even crispier top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching very carefully to prevent burning.

Q: Is it okay to use homemade marinara sauce?
A: Yes, homemade marinara sauce is an excellent choice and will likely enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Just ensure it’s a good consistency for covering the chicken.

Q: Can I freeze this dish before baking?
A: Yes, you can assemble the entire dish (up to step 6), cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if needed.

A Taste of Home

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Parmesan is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm invitation to gather around the table and savor a truly comforting meal. It’s a testament to how simple, readily available ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re revisiting cherished memories or creating new ones, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Serve it with your favorite sides and a glass of a robust Italian red wine, and let the flavors transport you. Enjoy every delicious bite!