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Ranch Ritz Cracker Chicken is pure comfort food and could not be easier for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken gets coated in creamy ranch and a crispy cracker crust for a meal that always disappears fast in my house.
I first tried this at a friend’s potluck years ago and it stole the show. Now it’s one of those recipes I make when everyone is craving something cozy and foolproof.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins: Offer quick cooking and stay juicy with this method choose chicken that is fresh and uniform in size for even cooking
- Ranch dressing: Locks in moisture and delivers tangy herby flavor use a thick and creamy style ranch for the best coating
- Ritz crackers: Add rich buttery crunch crush them well for a breading that sticks best I like to use the classic variety for nostalgic flavor
- Salt and pepper: Rounds everything out season generously but taste your ranch first as it is already seasoned
Instructions
- Prep Your Oven and Tools:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place a wire rack over a baking sheet This helps the heat circulate so the breading stays crisp
- Crush and Pour:
- Crush a sleeve of Ritz crackers into fine bread crumb size Set up two bowls one with ranch dressing the other with the crushed crackers
- Season the Chicken:
- Sprinkle chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper on both sides Press the seasonings in so they stick
- Dredge in Ranch:
- Dip each piece of chicken into the ranch Be thorough and make sure every surface is covered with dressing for maximum flavor
- Coat With Crackers:
- Roll the ranch coated chicken in the crushed crackers Press gently so the coating sticks and covers every side
- Rack and Bake:
- Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on the wire rack Do not crowd them Give each piece some space Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden and crisp
- Serve Warm:
- Remove from the oven and let sit a couple minutes for the juices to settle Serve while the crust is at its crunchiest
My favorite part is always how the ranch acts like a flavor glue. As a kid my mom would sometimes let me crush the crackers in a zip bag by hand and it made me feel like the recipe was magic. Even now when I make it for my family there is a sense of happy nostalgia.
Storage tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for maximum crunch Avoid microwaving as it softens the crust
Ingredient substitutions
Swap in chicken breasts cut into strips or use boneless thighs for extra juiciness Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning works when you are short on bottled ranch Gluten free buttery crackers also crisp up beautifully
Serving suggestions
Pair with classic sides like mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad It is also fantastic sliced over a ranch pasta salad or served with carrot and celery sticks for dipping
Cultural note
This dish is classic Americana the kind of recipe you find at potlucks and family reunions in every region It is simple thrifty and built around a few grocery store staples for ease
Seasonal adaptations
Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a summer barbecue kick Crumble the chicken into a wrap with lettuce and tomato in spring Use spicy ranch and top with hot honey for a warming winter twist
It is truly a foolproof dish that turns out golden and crispy every time. Serve it warm for best results and watch it disappear fast.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, chicken breasts can be sliced into strips to substitute for tenderloins. Adjust the baking time if the pieces are thicker.
- → How do I get the coating to stick better?
Pat the chicken dry, fully coat with ranch dressing, and press the cracker crumbs firmly to ensure a thorough, even crust.
- → What dips pair well with this dish?
Serve with extra ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or buffalo sauce to complement the crunchy coating.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
These can be assembled ahead and refrigerated, then baked just before serving to keep the coating crisp.
- → Is it necessary to use a wire rack?
Using a rack allows hot air to circulate and keeps the underside crispy. Baking directly on a sheet may yield a softer crust.