Ritz Cracker Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 pounds of chicken tenderloins (or chicken breasts, cut into strips)
- 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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper. Arrange them in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Cheesy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Layer the Cheesy Mixture: Spread the mayonnaise and cheese mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken in the baking dish, making sure to cover each piece.
- Crush the Ritz Crackers: In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor or place the crackers in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Add Parmesan and Cracker Topping: Mix the grated Parmesan cheese with the crushed Ritz crackers. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken and cheesy layer.
- Drizzle with Butter: Melt the stick of unsalted butter and drizzle it over the top of the chicken and cracker mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Once done, remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and then serve with your choice of side, such as rice or vegetables.
Enjoy this simple and delicious Ritz Cracker Chicken!
Additional Tips:
- You can customize the seasoning to your liking. Try adding herbs like dried thyme, oregano, or paprika for extra flavor.
- If using chicken breasts, you can cut them into strips or use chicken tenders for quicker cooking.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- For added texture, consider mixing in some Panko breadcrumbs with the cracker and Parmesan topping.
It’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy your taste buds.
