Chicken-By-Cracky
Crispy, flavorful fried chicken baked to perfection with a seasoned saltine crust, ideal for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with a savory, crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry the chicken pieces.
- In a shallow pan, mix the egg and milk with paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Crush the saltines into crumbs.
- Dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then roll in the crushed saltines to coat.
- Brown the coated chicken in oil on both sides until golden brown; drain excess oil.
- Place any remaining crumbs in a casserole dish, then add the browned chicken on top.
- Cover the dish and bake at 350°F for 1 hour until chicken is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using crushed cornflakes instead of saltines for extra crunch. You can also add spices like cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning for more flavor. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy coating. If you're short on time, marinating the chicken in the egg mixture for a few hours can enhance the flavor. This dish pairs well with a side of Easy Turkey Dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken-By-Cracky alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs nicely with mashed potatoes or a classic coleslaw. Consider adding a dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch for extra flavor. For a heartier option, serve it with Chicken And Macaroni Au Gratin.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken-By-Cracky can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, which helps maintain its crispy coating. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-By-Cracky contains roughly 317 calories, with 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (64% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1765mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time since it cooks faster than bone-in pieces. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption. The coating will still be flavorful and crispy, just make sure to monitor closely while frying.
What can I substitute for saltines?
If you don't have saltines, you can use crushed panko breadcrumbs or even crushed pretzels for a different texture. Both options will provide a nice crunch and flavor. Just remember to adjust the seasoning, as some substitutes may be saltier than saltines.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Chicken-By-Cracky gluten-free, substitute saltines with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the spices, are gluten-free. This will allow you to enjoy the crispy, flavorful chicken without gluten.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).