Heavenly Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Heavenly Chicken is a simple yet flavorful baked chicken dish coated in a creamy garlic-spiced sour cream and crispy Ritz cracker crust. It’s an easy recipe that yields tender, juicy chicken with a golden, crunchy topping, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
3. Step 3: In a shallow dish, combine the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, stirring well.
4. Step 4: Place the crushed Ritz crackers in a second shallow dish.
5. Step 5: Coat each chicken breast first by dipping it into the sour cream mixture, then dredge it in the cracker crumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
6. Step 6: Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and drizzle the melted butter evenly over them.
7. Step 7: Bake for 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Step 8: Let the chicken rest for 3 to 4 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the sour cream mixture.
• Use panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers for a crunchier texture.
• Brushing melted butter on the chicken before adding the cracker crust helps achieve a golden brown finish.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through to preserve the crispy coating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust cooking time accordingly, checking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is sour cream necessary in this recipe?

Sour cream helps keep the chicken moist and adds flavor while helping the cracker coating stick. You can substitute with Greek yogurt if preferred.

Heavenly Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 99 reviews

Heavenly Chicken is a deliciously creamy and crunchy baked chicken dish, featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of sour cream and spices, then crusted with buttery Ritz crackers for the perfect golden finish. This easy-to-make recipe combines simple ingredients to create a comforting and satisfying meal suitable for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating

• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers

Finishing

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Pound the chicken: Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
3. Prepare the sour cream mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir well to make an even, flavorful coating.
4. Prepare the cracker coating: Place the crushed Ritz crackers into a separate shallow dish, ready for dredging.
5. Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the sour cream mixture, then press firmly into the crushed Ritz crackers to thoroughly coat each piece with the crispy crumbs.
6. Arrange and butter: Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, then drizzle with the melted butter to enhance browning and flavor.
7. Bake: Bake the chicken for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and the coating is golden and crisp.
8. Rest and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 3 to 4 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a burst of color and freshness before serving.

Notes

• Crushing the Ritz crackers finely will help the coating stick better and create an even crust.
• If you prefer extra crispy crust, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter coating with added protein.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
• Leftover chicken makes great sandwiches or salads the next day.

Keywords: Heavenly Chicken, baked chicken breasts, Ritz cracker crust chicken, creamy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner