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Heavenly Chicken Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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