Here's the Secret to Crispy Baked Chicken
If you’re looking for a simple baked chicken dinner that the whole family will love, this Butter Cracker Chicken is one of those recipes you’ll make again and again. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in buttery cracker crumbs, seasoned just right, and baked with plenty of melted butter until golden and crispy.
- 1 cup finely crushed Ritz crackers ((or another buttery cracker))
- 2 large eggs, (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper
- 4 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, (cut into small pieces)
- chopped fresh parsley, (for garnish (optional))
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
- Place cracker crumbs in one bowl and eggs in another. Add Italian seasoning, garlic and onion powder, cayenne and lemon pepper to the cracker crumbs and stir.
- Dip the chicken into the eggs and then into the crumbs. Place the coated chicken in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the butter pieces on top of the chicken.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. 165℉ is the safe cooking temperature for chicken.
This recipe is similar to the classic Ritz Cracker Chicken you may have seen before, but this version has extra seasoning and a generous amount of butter baked right into the crust so every bite is flavorful and crunchy. It’s also similar to baked cornflake chicken.
The best part? It’s made with just a handful of pantry ingredients and takes only about 15 minutes to prep. Serve this cracker crusted chicken with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes and dinner is done.
Why You’ll Love This Buttery Baked Chicken
It uses 7 simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. The crispy, buttery coating turns golden in the oven. It’s family-friendly comfort food that even picky eaters love. Ready in about 40 minutes. It baked in just one dish, which makes for easy cleanup. It’s an easy baked chicken recipe for an easy weeknight dinner.
This recipe is a great reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes turn out to be the most delicious.
Ritz Crackers: These buttery crackers create the crispy coating. Finely crushing them helps them stick to the chicken and bake evenly.
Eggs: The eggs help the cracker crumbs adhere to the chicken breasts.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a subtle herb flavor that makes the crust more interesting.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powde r: These pantry staples bring savory depth to the coating.
Cayenne Pepper: Just a small amount adds a mild warmth without making the dish spicy.
Lemon Pepper: A hint of brightness that pairs perfectly with baked chicken.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender, these bake beautifully with the buttery cracker coating.
Salted Butter: This is the magic ingredient! As it melts in the oven it soaks into the cracker coating, creating that rich, crispy crust.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds fresh color and flavor before serving.
How to Make Butter Cracker Chicken
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Place the crushed crackers in a shallow bowl. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne and lemon pepper. Place the beaten eggs in a separate bowl.
Dip each chicken breast into the eggs, coating both sides. Press the chicken into the cracker mixture, turning to coat evenly. Place the coated chicken into the prepared baking dish. Scatter the butter pieces over the top of the chicken.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when tested with a thermometer.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Recipe Tips
Crush the crackers finely: Smaller crumbs create a more even crust that sticks better to the chicken.
Use room temperature chicken: Let the chicken sit out for about 10 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
Don’t skip the butter: The butter melts into the crumbs and creates the signature crispy crust.
Use a thermometer: Chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches 165°F internally.
Why Butter Makes the Cracker Crust So Good
The combination of buttery crackers and real butter is what makes this chicken so irresistible. As the chicken bakes, the butter melts and soaks into the cracker crumbs, creating a rich, golden crust that becomes crisp in the oven. The result is a coating that tastes similar to fried chicken—but it’s oven baked crispy chicken.
Using butter also helps keep the chicken moist while adding a deep, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the simple seasonings in the cracker coating.
What to Serve with Butter Cracker Chicken
This chicken pairs well with classic comfort food sides such as:
Variations to Try
Cheesy Cracker Chicken: Add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese to the cracker mixture.
Spicy Butter Cracker Chicken: Increase cayenne pepper or add a pinch of smoked paprika.
Creamy Cracker Chicken: Serve with a drizzle of cream sauce or gravy.
Chicken Tenders Version: Cut chicken breasts into strips for kid-friendly baked chicken tenders.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible since it softens the coating.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Dip the chicken into the eggs and then into the crumbs. Place the coated chicken in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the butter pieces on top of the chicken.
