Chicken Ritz
Juicy chicken breasts coated in crushed Ritz crackers, topped with mushrooms and cheese, then baked in a flavorful wine and chicken broth mixture for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak chicken breasts in beaten eggs overnight.
- Roll chicken in crushed Ritz crackers and brown in oil.
- Place browned chicken in a pan.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Cover chicken with mushrooms and squeeze lemon juice over them.
- Mix white wine and chicken broth.
- Pour the wine and broth mixture over the chicken.
- Place slices of Muenster cheese on top.
- Cover with foil, leaving a corner turned back.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken in the beaten eggs with herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you don't have Ritz crackers, crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs can be a great substitute for a crunchy coating. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This recipe can be adapted to include different cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Ritz with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Lori's Mystery Potatoes for a comforting dinner. A light white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing drink alongside this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent the cheese from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Ritz contains roughly 511 calories, with 32g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (63% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 587mg per serving (26% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It's best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If you only have frozen chicken, ensure they are fully thawed in the refrigerator before marinating. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively.
What can I substitute for Muenster cheese?
You can substitute Muenster cheese with other melty cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even provolone. Each will provide a slightly different flavor but will still complement the dish well.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
To make Chicken Ritz healthier, consider using skinless chicken breasts and reducing the amount of cheese. You can also bake the chicken without frying it first, or use whole grain crackers for the crust to add more fiber.
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).