Crispy Butter Chicken: Golden, Juicy, and Utterly Irresistible!
By Jason Griffith
Craving chicken that’s exceptionally juicy on the inside and wonderfully crispy on the outside, all with a rich, buttery flavor? This Crispy Butter Chicken recipe delivers exactly that! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are coated in a savory Ritz cracker crumb mixture, topped with pats of butter, and baked to a beautiful golden perfection. It’s a simple, comforting, and incredibly delicious dish that’s perfect for a weeknight family dinner or any time you crave a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of dishes that achieve maximum flavor with minimal effort, and this Crispy Butter Chicken is a shining example. What I absolutely adore about this recipe is how it transforms humble chicken breasts into something truly special. The Ritz cracker crust provides an incredible savory crispness that perfectly complements the tender chicken, and the melting butter infuses every bite with a luscious, rich flavor. It feels incredibly comforting and indulgent, yet it’s baked in the oven, making it a healthier and much cleaner alternative to traditional fried chicken. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that always disappears fast!
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs (about 30-35 crackers, finely crushed)
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each), pounded to even thickness if very thick
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into 8-12 pieces
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for quick cooking. If they are very thick (over 1 inch), consider pounding them to an even ¾-inch thickness for more even cooking. You can also use chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken thighs (adjust cooking time slightly).
- Ritz Cracker Crumbs: These are key for the unique savory, buttery flavor and crisp texture. If you don’t have Ritz, you can use other buttery crackers or a mix of plain breadcrumbs and a little melted butter for the coating.
- Seasoning: Garlic salt is a convenient blend. If using regular salt, use ¼ teaspoon and add ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of paprika or onion powder to the crumb mixture for extra flavor and color.
- Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. The butter melts over the chicken, basting it and creating a rich, golden crust.
- Pounding Chicken (Optional but Recommended): If your chicken breasts are uneven or very thick, pounding them to a uniform ¾-inch thickness ensures they cook evenly and don’t dry out.
- Dish Size: A 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for fitting 4 chicken breasts without overcrowding.
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Coating: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Set up two separate shallow bowls: one for the 2 large beaten eggs and another for the 1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs. In the bowl with the cracker crumbs, mix in the ½ teaspoon garlic salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
2. Coat the Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere better. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off. Next, dredge the chicken in the seasoned Ritz cracker crumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs fully coat all sides of the chicken.
3. Arrange & Butter: Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure they are not overcrowded. Evenly place pieces of the ½ cup unsalted butter on top of each chicken breast. The butter will melt down over the chicken as it bakes.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is beautifully golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. If the topping isn’t as golden as you like, you can briefly broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices. Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy, buttery chicken!
Tips for Success
- Pound Chicken (If Needed): If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even ¾-inch thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t dry out.
- Pat Dry Chicken: Dry chicken absorbs coating better and results in a crispier crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: Give chicken pieces space in the baking dish for even baking and crisping.
- Check Doneness with Thermometer: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Watch Broiler (If Used): If you use the broiler for extra crispness, keep a very close eye on it, as things can burn quickly.
- Serve Hot: This chicken is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven for maximum crispness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Crispy Butter Chicken is a fantastic main dish that pairs wonderfully with classic comfort food sides.
- Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or classic French fries.
- Vegetables: Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, corn on the cob, or a simple side salad.
- Rice: Fluffy white rice or a simple pilaf. For a different twist on “Butter Chicken,” serve it with the sauce from our Butter Chicken with Rice recipe (though this recipe is a baked, crispy version, not a saucy curry).
- Bread: Warm dinner rolls or a slice of garlic bread.
- Sauces: While delicious on its own, a side of ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a creamy dill sauce could complement it well.
- For other comforting and easy chicken-based meals, explore these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
- A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight)
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
- Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken (for another cheesy, crispy chicken bake)
- Air Fried Chicken (if you prefer an air-fried option for crispiness)
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
Storage and Leftover Tips
While best enjoyed fresh from the oven for maximum crispness, leftovers can be stored and reheated.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Crispy Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The coating may lose some of its crispness.
- Reheating: To regain crispness, reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in an air fryer until warmed through and the coating re-crisps. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispy texture.
- Freezing: Cooked crispy chicken can be frozen. Once cooled, place pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat as described above for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Butter Chicken recipe is a simple yet incredibly satisfying way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken with a delightful golden-brown, buttery crust. It’s a comforting classic that’s perfect for any family meal, bringing smiles and delicious flavors to your table. Get ready to add this easy and irresistible dish to your weekly rotation!
What are your go-to baked chicken recipes that always deliver on crispiness, or do you have a secret ingredient for a perfect breading? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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