Cracker Crusted Parmesan Baked Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a chicken dish that’s got the perfect crunch and a rich, cheesy flavor, you’re going to adore this Cracker Crusted Parmesan Baked Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that’s comfort food but still feels a little fancy—plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight when you want something satisfying without a ton of fuss. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to whenever you need that crispy, flavorful baked chicken fix.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Cracker Crusted Parmesan Baked Chicken Recipe really lies in combining simple ingredients that pack big flavor together. Plus, the Ritz crackers add that buttery crunch that’s hard to beat, and Greek yogurt keeps the chicken from drying out, which I’ve had trouble with before.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Picky eaters will love how tender they get, and these cook evenly for perfect results.
• Plain Greek yogurt: This adds moisture and helps the cracker coating stick; make sure it’s plain for that perfect tang and no added sweetness.
• Ritz cracker crumbs: The buttery crumbs form the crispy crust; crush them finely so they coat evenly.
• Garlic salt: Brings a savory kick without the need for measuring extra garlic powder or salt separately.
• Seasoned salt: Adds depth and complements the garlic salt for a balanced seasoning.
• Parsley flakes: This herbaceous note brightens the crust; dried works perfectly here.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh if you can—it’s more flavorful and melts beautifully into the crust.
• Butter: Sliced on top of each chicken breast before baking, it melts down and adds rich flavor and moisture.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Cracker Crusted Parmesan Baked Chicken Recipe is how easily you can tweak it. I like to switch it up depending on what I have on hand or what my family’s in the mood for, and it still turns out fabulous every time.

• Spicy kick: I once added a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cracker mix—and wow, that little heat made the flavors really pop!
• Herb swap: Try fresh thyme or rosemary instead of parsley flakes for an earthy twist my guests couldn’t get enough of.
• Dairy-free option: Using a dairy-free yogurt substitute works well, and swapping out butter for olive oil also keeps it moist and flavorful.
• Gluten-free version: Gluten-free buttery crackers make this recipe safe for gluten sensitivities without losing that signature crunch.

How to Make Cracker Crusted Parmesan Baked Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Space

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9” x 13” baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. I find this step helps prevent any sticking without adding extra fats. While that’s heating, get your cracker mixture ready so everything’s at hand.

Step 2: Mix Up the Cracker Coating

Combine the Ritz cracker crumbs, garlic salt, seasoned salt, parsley flakes, and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish. Using a shallow dish like a pie plate makes rolling the chicken way easier. I learned this the hard way trying to use a deep bowl before!

Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Yogurt and Crumbs

Pat your chicken breasts dry first for better adhesion, then coat each side with plain Greek yogurt. Next, roll the chicken in the cracker mixture until it’s totally covered — this is where the crust magic happens. I usually press the crumbs gently so they really stick well.

Step 4: Butter It Up

Slice your butter into 16 thin slices, then place two slices atop each chicken breast. This extra step seals in juiciness and adds to that rich, crisp crust. When I started adding butter here, the difference was night and day.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Juicy

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes. The trick I discovered is to check around the 30-minute mark — if the crust looks too browned, cover the chicken loosely with aluminum foil so it doesn’t burn but still cooks through. You want a gorgeous golden crust without dryness, so keep an eye on it.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley over the chicken before serving if you like. It adds a fresh, vibrant touch I love—and guests always ask for seconds.

How to Serve Cracker Crusted Parmesan Baked Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley right before serving—it adds a lovely fresh pop of flavor and color. Sometimes I even add a light drizzle of lemon juice to brighten it up, especially on warmer days.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are garlicky mashed potatoes and a simple roasted vegetable medley. The creamy potatoes soak up all those buttery drippings perfectly, and the veggies add a healthy crunch. I’ve also served this with a crisp Caesar salad for a lighter option that’s still satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to slice the chicken breasts into medallions and fan them out on the plate, garnished with sprigs of fresh parsley and thin lemon slices. It instantly makes the dish look restaurant-worthy without any extra hassle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This Cracker Crusted Parmesan Baked Chicken Recipe keeps well for 3 to 4 days and reheats nicely without losing its delicious flavor or texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked chicken from this recipe a few times by wrapping each piece tightly in foil and then placing in a freezer-safe bag. When properly stored, it maintains quality for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I found to reheat this chicken and keep the crust crispy is to use the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cracker Crusted Parmesan Baked Chicken Recipe turns out every single time—crispy, cheesy, and so satisfying. The first time I made it, I was hooked immediately, and sharing it with my family only made it more special. If you want a dish that feels indulgent but is easy enough to whip up even after a busy day, I can’t recommend this enough. Give it a try—you’ll be thrilled with how simple and delicious it is!

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