Marinated Chicken
Marinated chicken breasts coated with a flavorful mixture of lemon juice, Worcestershire, paprika, and sour cream, then rolled in crushed Ritz crackers and baked to perfection. This dish offers a tender, crispy crust with a tangy, savory profile, ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests seeking comfort food with a twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine lemon juice, Worcestershire, celery salt, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add chicken breasts to the mixture, coating them well.
- Refrigerate the coated chicken overnight to marinate.
- Remove chicken from marinade and roll in crushed Ritz crackers to coat evenly.
- Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a shallow pan.
- Pour 1/4 of the melted margarine over the chicken.
- Bake at 300°F (approximately 150°C) for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven, spoon the remaining margarine over the chicken.
- Bake for an additional 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken for up to 24 hours instead of just overnight. If you don't have Ritz crackers, you can substitute with any buttery cracker or even panko breadcrumbs for a different texture. To enhance the dish, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade. This recipe is also a great way to use leftover chicken from dishes such as Chicken Divan.
Serving Suggestions
This marinated chicken pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious flavors. You might also consider serving it with Cheesy-Broccoli Soup for a comforting side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinated Chicken contains roughly 1027 calories, with 16g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (165% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), and iron (84% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1898mg per serving (83% 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 skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts, but the cooking time may vary slightly. The skin will add extra flavor and moisture, but be sure to adjust the baking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great substitute, providing a similar tanginess and creaminess. You can also use mayonnaise or a mixture of cream cheese and milk to achieve a similar texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well, as some brands may contain 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).