Name: Heavenly Baked Chicken with Sour Cream and Ritz Crackers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup sour cream; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers; 2 tablespoons melted butter; Parsley (for garnish)

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Introduction

Heavenly Chicken is a simple yet delicious baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful sour cream and cracker crust. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, delivering a crispy exterior with juicy, well-seasoned meat inside.

The image shows three pieces of golden-brown, crispy fried chicken placed closely next to each other in a clear baking dish. Each piece has a rough, crunchy texture with a coating that looks thick and well-fried, showing small granules and crispy edges. There are small green herb pieces sprinkled on top of the chicken, adding a touch of color contrast against the warm yellow and orange crust. The baking dish has some melted butter or oil pooled around the bottom, which appears shiny and adds a moist look to the base. The background features a white marbled texture, giving a clean and bright setting to the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers
2 tablespoons melted butter
Parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 3: In a shallow dish, combine sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
Step 4: Place the crushed Ritz crackers in a separate shallow dish.
Step 5: Dip each chicken breast first into the sour cream mixture, then coat thoroughly with the crushed crackers, pressing gently to stick the crumbs.
Step 6: Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and drizzle the melted butter over them.
Step 7: Bake for 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 8: Allow the chicken to rest for 3 to 4 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with parsley for a fresh touch.

Tips & Variations

For an extra crispy crust, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Try swapping out the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier and lighter coating.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sour cream mixture for a spicy kick.
Use gluten-free crackers to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Storage

Store leftover Heavenly Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes to retain crispiness, or microwave covered for 1-2 minutes if short on time.

How to Serve

A close-up view of two pieces of golden brown fried chicken with a crispy, crumbly breadcrumb coating, topped with small green herb bits scattered over the surface, sitting on a white plate with some light oil sheen and small burnt bits around the edges, all placed on a white marbled texture background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe; just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. The chicken holds up well when refrigerated and reheated, making it a great option for preparing meals in advance.