My Oh So Buttery, Crispy & Moist Ritz Cracker Brine

Name: My Oh So Buttery, Crispy & Moist Ritz Cracker Brined Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: For the Brine:; 8 cups Cold Water; 1/4 cup Table (not Kosher ) Salt; 1/4 cup Sugar; For the Chicken:; 3 pounds Skinless and Boneless Chicken Breast (if you buy chicken breast halves like me, I like to further cut each into 2 pieces); 2 Large Eggs; 2 Rolls of Ritz Crackers, crushed (with some pieces looking like breadcrumbs and others being a bit bigger); 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1/4 teaspoon Sweet Smoked Paprika; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 Stick (4 oz or 8 tbsp) unsalted butter cut into bits (not margarine); NOTE: No salt is added to the chicken since it is brined; however, if you choose not to brine the chicken you will of course need to add some salt.

Servings: persons

For the Brine:
8 cups Cold Water
1/4 cup Table (not Kosher ) Salt
1/4 cup Sugar
For the Chicken:
3 pounds Skinless and Boneless Chicken Breast (if you buy chicken breast halves like me, I like to further cut each into 2 pieces)
2 Large Eggs
2 Rolls of Ritz Crackers, crushed (with some pieces looking like breadcrumbs and others being a bit bigger)
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon Sweet Smoked Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 Stick (4 oz or 8 tbsp) unsalted butter cut into bits (not margarine)
NOTE: No salt is added to the chicken since it is brined; however, if you choose not to brine the chicken you will of course need to add some salt.

1
["TO BRINE:
2
In a big bowl, mix the water with the salt and sugar and add the chicken, making sure it is covered with the water. Place in refrigerator for 1 hour (not more, not less) then rinse in cold water 4 to 5 times to wash the extra salt. This step renders a chicken that is more tender and juicy.", "Preheat the oven to 375*F.", "Place the eggs into a shallow bowl. In another bowl, place the crushed ritz crackers and add the garlic powder, black pepper and smoked paprika. Please do NOT add any more salt.", "Dip the chicken pieces first into the eggs and then roll them in the ritz cracker crumb mixture, making sure they are well coated.", "Place them in a baking dish, like a 15 inch Pyrex; then drop the pieces of butter all around, in between and over the chicken. I like to cut the butter in several tiny pieces (maybe 20-30 pieces).", "Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven until the chicken is no longer pink inside, the juices run clear and the crumbs are nicely browned. Note that if you prepared the chicken overnight and it was thus in refrigerator, it may take a bit longer to cook.", "For a touch of color, feel free to sprinkle some more paprika over the chicken prior to serving. You can also even sprinkle some chopped chives or scallions. I like to serve this rich dish with steamed broccoli, and my salt & vinegar maple glazed potatoes or Thai Basil Asiago stuffed potatoes."]

885

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

112

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: For the Brine:, 8 cups Cold Water, 1/4 cup Table (not Kosher ) Salt, 1/4 cup Sugar, and more.

Yes, My Oh So Buttery, Crispy & Moist Ritz Cracker Brined Chicken falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

My Oh So Buttery, Crispy & Moist Ritz Cracker Brined Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions