Introduction

Heavenly Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a creamy, spiced sour cream mixture and crunchy Ritz cracker crust. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels a little special.

Heavenly Chicken with Ritz Crackers and Sour Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers
2 tablespoons melted butter
Parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 3: In a shallow dish, combine the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, stirring well to mix.
Step 4: Place the crushed Ritz crackers in a separate shallow dish.
Step 5: Dredge each piece of chicken first in the sour cream mixture, then coat thoroughly with the cracker crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 6: Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and drizzle the melted butter evenly over them.
Step 7: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 8: Allow the chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sour cream mixture for a mild kick.
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers for a crunchier texture.
Try topping with shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve the crispy coating; adding a few minutes in the oven can help restore crunchiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may require a slightly longer baking time due to higher fat content.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a similar creamy coating.

Heavenly Chicken with Ritz Crackers and Sour Cream Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 104 reviews

Heavenly Chicken is a deliciously creamy and crunchy baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a seasoned sour cream mixture and panko-style crushed Ritz crackers. Easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting family dinner, this recipe delivers flavorful, crispy chicken that stays juicy on the inside.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce & Coating

1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers
2 tablespoons melted butter

Garnish

Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Pound chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are of even thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
Mix coating base: In a shallow dish, combine the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir until fully mixed to create a flavorful coating mixture.
Prepare cracker crumbs: In a separate shallow dish, add the crushed Ritz crackers to use for the crunchy coating.
Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the sour cream mixture, fully coating it, then dredge it in the crushed Ritz crackers. Press the cracker crumbs firmly into the chicken to ensure a thick, even coating.
Arrange and drizzle: Place each coated chicken breast in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the chicken to help the coating crisp up beautifully while baking.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 3-4 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped parsley before slicing and serving.

Notes

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking and juiciness.
Using crushed Ritz crackers provides a buttery, flaky crust but can be substituted with panko or breadcrumbs if preferred.
Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Letting the chicken rest after baking helps maintain moistness.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt and pepper to the sour cream mixture if desired.

Keywords: baked chicken, crispy chicken, sour cream chicken, Ritz cracker chicken, easy chicken dinner