Ritz Chicken Parmesan

Ritz Chicken Parmesan Recipe from USA with Chicken, Parmesan Cheese and Butter

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ritz Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the crispy texture of Ritz crackers with the savory flavor of Parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

History

The origins of Ritz Chicken Parmesan are not well-documented, but it is believed to have been created in the United States as a variation of traditional Chicken Parmesan. The use of Ritz crackers as a coating for the chicken adds a unique twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Roll the chicken strips in cracker crumbs.
Place them in a baking dish.
Sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese.
Dot them with butter.
Bake them at 350°F (177°C) for 35 to 40 minutes or until they are crisp.

Variations

Substitute the chicken breast strips with chicken thighs or tenders.
Add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the cracker crumbs for extra flavor.
Top the chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a traditional Chicken Parmesan twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to evenly coat the chicken strips with the cracker crumbs to ensure a crispy texture.

- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.

- For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken strips instead of frying them.

Serving Suggestions

Ritz Chicken Parmesan can be served with a side of pasta, salad, or steamed vegetables. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Cooking Techniques

Baking: This recipe calls for baking the chicken strips in the oven for a crispy texture.

- Frying: For a more indulgent option, you can fry the chicken strips in oil until golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of Ritz crackers.

- Swap Parmesan cheese for cheddar or mozzarella cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken strips ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This is a great time-saving option for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ritz Chicken Parmesan on a bed of arugula or spinach for a colorful and elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flair.

Pairing Recommendations

Ritz Chicken Parmesan pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as garlic bread, roasted potatoes, or a Caesar salad. For drinks, consider serving with a crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken strips in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

280 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% of daily value per serving

- Calcium: 15% of daily value per serving

- Iron: 8% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and gluten (Ritz crackers)

Summary

Ritz Chicken Parmesan is a moderate source of carbohydrates and fats, high in protein, and contains essential vitamins and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Ritz Chicken Parmesan is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a crispy coating of Ritz crackers and savory Parmesan cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Ritz Chicken Parmesan. It was a cool autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha for our weekly coffee and catch-up session. Martha had always been a wonderful cook, and I always left her house feeling inspired to try new recipes in my own kitchen.

As we chatted over steaming mugs of coffee, Martha suddenly pulled out a worn, stained recipe card from her recipe box. She held it out to me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye and said, "Have you ever tried making Ritz Chicken Parmesan, dear?"

I peered down at the recipe card, my curiosity piqued. The ingredients were simple – chicken breasts, crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, and a few other seasonings. But the combination of flavors sounded absolutely divine.

Martha must have seen the gleam of excitement in my eyes because she laughed and said, "Oh, you'll love this recipe, dear. It's a family favorite, passed down from my grandmother to me. I'm sure it will become a staple in your kitchen as well."

I couldn't wait to try it out, so I hurried home that afternoon with the recipe card clutched in my hand. As I gathered the ingredients and preheated the oven, I couldn't help but think back on all the recipes I had learned over the years – from my own mother, from cookbooks, from friends like Martha.

Cooking had always been a passion of mine, a way to show love and care for my family and friends. And now, as I prepared to make Ritz Chicken Parmesan for the first time, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation that I hadn't felt in a long time.

As the chicken baked in the oven, filling my kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, I couldn't resist sneaking a taste of the crunchy, cheesy coating. The flavors exploded on my tongue – savory, salty, and just a hint of sweetness from the Ritz crackers.

When the timer finally went off, I pulled the golden-brown chicken out of the oven and plated it with a side of pasta and marinara sauce. I couldn't wait to sit down and savor the fruits of my labor.

As I took my first bite of Ritz Chicken Parmesan, I closed my eyes and let out a contented sigh. The chicken was perfectly tender, the coating crispy and flavorful. It was a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my taste buds.

I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family and friends, to pass it on to the next generation just as Martha had passed it on to me. And as I sat at the table, surrounded by loved ones and enjoying good food and good company, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart.

From that day on, Ritz Chicken Parmesan became a staple in my kitchen, a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. And every time I made it, I thought back to that cool autumn day when Martha had introduced me to a dish that would become a beloved tradition in our family.

As I look back now on all the recipes I have collected and learned over the years, I realize that each one tells a story – of friendship, of family, of love shared around the dinner table. And I am grateful for each and every one of them, for the memories they hold and the joy they bring to those who gather to enjoy them.

But Ritz Chicken Parmesan will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of that sense of wonder and excitement I felt on that fateful day when Martha shared her family recipe with me. And I will always be grateful for the gift of that recipe, and the many more that have enriched my life in so many ways.