Here’s the full recipe for Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken:
Ingredients:
- 2 sleeves of Ritz everything seasoned crackers
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- Extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If using an air fryer, lightly grease the basket to prevent sticking.
- Place the Ritz crackers in a zip-lock bag and crush them into coarse crumbs, leaving some larger pieces intact for texture.
- Transfer the crushed crackers to a shallow dish and add the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine the seasonings with the crackers.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken tenderloin into the beaten eggs, coating it evenly.
- Then, dredge the chicken in the seasoned cracker mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure the crumbs adhere to the chicken.
- Place the breaded chicken tenderloins in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
- If baking in the oven, bake for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. If using an air fryer, air fry for the same amount of time.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven or air fryer. Sprinkle shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese over the top of each chicken tenderloin.
- Return the chicken to the oven or air fryer and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Before serving, sprinkle cracked black pepper over the chicken for added flavor.
- Serve the Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken hot and enjoy!
This delicious and kid-friendly dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
Certainly! Here are some popular questions and their answers related to Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken:
- Can I use regular Ritz crackers instead of the everything seasoned variety?
- Yes, you can use regular Ritz crackers if you prefer. The everything seasoned variety adds extra flavor, but plain Ritz crackers will work just fine for coating the chicken.
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of tenderloins in this recipe. Simply slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Can I bake the Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken instead of frying or air frying?
- Yes, you can bake the Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken in the oven. Follow the same steps for breading the chicken, then place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
- What can I serve with Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken?
- Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, coleslaw, roasted sweet potatoes, or a crisp green salad. You can also serve it with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
- Can I prepare Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken ahead of time?
- While it’s best to serve Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken fresh for optimal crispiness, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time by breading it and refrigerating it until ready to cook. Just be sure to allow the chicken to come to room temperature before frying or baking.
- How do I store leftovers of Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken?
- Leftover Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in the oven or air fryer until heated through.
- Can I freeze Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken?
- While you can freeze Cheddar Ritz Cracker Chicken, the texture of the coating may become soggy upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken and cook it from frozen for the best results.