Baked Parmesan Ritz Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting yet impressive chicken dish, the Baked Parmesan Ritz Chicken Recipe is definitely one to try. It has this perfect crispy crust thanks to the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, but underneath, the chicken stays tender and juicy – partly thanks to the Greek yogurt coating. I first made this on a cozy weeknight when I needed something simple but delicious, and it quickly became a family favorite.

What makes this recipe stand out is how effortless it is to throw together with pantry staples, yet it tastes like you spent hours on it. Whenever you want a dish that pairs well with simple sides but still wows your dinner guests, baked Parmesan Ritz chicken will do the trick. Plus, it’s easy to customize, which I’ll share as we go along.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This list is pretty friendly with common ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element adds something special, from the tangy yogurt that keeps the chicken moist to the flavorful Ritz cracker crumbs that create that irresistible crunch.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Using breasts keeps this dish lean and versatile; you can pound them a bit for even cooking if you like.
• Plain Greek yogurt: This helps keep the chicken juicy and acts as a perfect base for the cracker coating to stick.
• Ritz cracker crumbs: These buttery crackers provide the crunch and flavor—don’t substitute with plain crackers unless you want less richness.
• Garlic salt: Adds just the right amount of savory garlic punch.
• Seasoned salt: Brings a balanced seasoning that enhances flavor without overwhelming.
• Parsley flakes: A touch of herbaceous brightness that’s subtle but essential.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Mixed into the crust and sprinkled on top, it adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps crisp the coating.
• Butter: Placed on top of each chicken breast to keep them moist and develop a beautiful golden finish while baking.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped and sprinkled on right before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Variations

I love how flexible the Baked Parmesan Ritz Chicken Recipe is — you can easily tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs. I sometimes add my own spin depending on what’s in the fridge or what the family’s craving.

• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cracker mixture for a subtle kick that livens things up.
• Herb overload: Toss in some fresh rosemary or thyme if you have herbs on hand; it brightens the flavor remarkably.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the Ritz crackers for gluten-free buttery cracker crumbs or crushed pork rinds for a similar texture.
• Cheese variations: Try mixing in Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese in place of Parmesan for an extra sharp profile.
• Make it dairy-free: Use a non-dairy yogurt alternative and omit the butter or use olive oil instead, but the texture will be a bit different.

How to Make Baked Parmesan Ritz Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, grab a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish and give it a good spray with non-stick baking spray. This step saves you a sticky cleanup later and helps the butter melting on top of the chicken work its magic without any hiccups.

Step 2: Create the Flavorful Crust Mix

In a shallow bowl or dish, mix together those Ritz cracker crumbs with the garlic salt, seasoned salt, parsley flakes, and 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. I like to give it a good stir to distribute everything evenly — this mix is the star of the crunchy coating, so make sure it’s well combined.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly

Take each chicken breast and coat it generously on both sides with plain Greek yogurt. The yogurt infuses moisture and also acts like glue for the crust mix. Then roll each piece in your prepared cracker mixture, pressing gently to cover all the nooks and crannies. Arrange these beauties in a single layer in your baking dish.

Step 4: Dot with Butter for Extra Richness

Slice your 1/4 cup butter into 16 pieces, roughly two small pats per chicken breast, and lay them on top. This step might feel like an indulgence, but trust me, it helps create a golden crust and keeps the inside juicy while that butter slowly melts over the crispy coating.

Step 5: Bake with Care

Pop your pan into the oven and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes. Around the 30-minute mark, peek in to see how the crust is browning. If it’s getting too dark before the chicken is cooked through, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning but still allow thorough cooking. Chicken breasts are done when the internal temperature hits 165°F and juices run clear.

Step 6: Add Extra Parmesan and Parsley Before Serving

For that extra “wow” factor, I love to sprinkle a little more grated Parmesan cheese and some freshly chopped parsley on top once it’s out of the oven. It brightens the flavors and gives a lovely presentation touch that your family or guests will notice right away.

How to Serve Baked Parmesan Ritz Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a little extra Parmesan for cheesiness. Sometimes I also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving, which adds a nice zing that complements the richness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple but flavorful: roasted green beans or a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness well. Mashed potatoes or creamy risotto also pair beautifully if you want something a bit more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging each chicken breast on a bed of sautéed spinach or wild rice, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens. It looks impressive but is super easy to pull together last-minute when you want to elevate this humble dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from this Baked Parmesan Ritz Chicken Recipe store well in an airtight container in the fridge. I find they keep their texture nicely for up to 3 days. Just make sure the chicken cools completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve had good luck freezing this chicken before baking. To freeze, prepare the coated chicken breasts in the baking dish, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before popping into the freezer. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. The crispy crust isn’t quite as perfect after freezing but still very tasty.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the oven at 350°F to keep the crust crispy — about 10-15 minutes should do, or until warmed through. Microwaving will work but can soften the crunchy coating, so the oven really is the best bet if you want that crisp texture back.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Parmesan Ritz Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something that’s both simple and special. It’s amazing how just a few pantry staples come together to create a crunchy, flavorful crust with juicy chicken inside. If you’re craving comfort food that feels a bit elevated but doesn’t take forever in the kitchen, you’ll really enjoy making this recipe your own.

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