Golden Cracker Chicken for Two - Quick, Easy & Delicious

 

 

When you’re cooking for two, it’s always a treat to find a recipe that’s simple, comforting, and just a little bit special — and this Golden Cracker Chicken fits the bill perfectly. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a buttery, seasoned cracker crust that bakes up beautifully crisp and golden, giving you all the satisfaction of a classic comfort dish with hardly any effort at all.

It’s the kind of small‑batch recipe that turns everyday ingredients into something delicious, making it ideal for weeknights, cozy dinners at home, or anytime you want a fuss‑free meal that still feels homemade and hearty. Paired with your favorite sides, this easy baked chicken is sure to become a go‑to in your kitchen.

  

When I was growing up chicken breasts were not often on the menu.  When they were our mother used to coat them in crackers crumbs and fry them in butter. Oh, how we loved this chicken. It was crispy coated and buttery. Mom called it Maryland Chicken, and we could not get enough of it.

This is a modernized version of mom's chicken which doesn't require babysitting over a hot stove. The chicken is rolled in butter, and seasoned cracker crumbs and then baked to juicy, tender perfection. It is every bit as enjoyable as the original.

This was something that I made often for my children when they were growing up. You could also do chicken strips in much the same way!  Quick, easy and delicious!

 

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

TO MAKE

GOLDEN CRACKER CHICKEN FOR TWO

There is nothing complicated about this. Simple ingredients that most of us always have in our kitchens.

• 1/4 cup (57g) salted butter
• 15 buttery crackers (something like Ritz, Townhouse, or TUC)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

 

I use salted butter. That is all I keep in my house. If this bothers you, simply cut back on any other salt in the recipe.

I used Townhouse Crackers.  You can use any cracker you wish to use, but a cracker with a short texture and buttery flavor give the tastiest results.

Italian Seasoning is a blend of dried herbs and seasonings such as basil, oregano, rosemary, parsley, garlic and onion powder, pepper and red pepper flakes. You can easily make your own. I have an excellent recipe for that here. 

Make sure you use garlic POWDER and not Garlic salt.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended. You can use thighs if you wish, or cutlets, but do bear in mind that the cook time will need to be adjusted.

 

HOW TO MAKE

GOLDEN CRACKER CHICKEN FOR TWO

This is really a quick and simple dinner option which makes it the perfect weeknight entree or for those nights you know you don't have a lot of time to cook. You can easily throw together a couple of sides while the chicken is baking.

1. Preheat the oven to 375*F/190*C/ gas mark 5. Butter a small baking sheet, or line with baking paper. (I used a lipped quarter sheet pan and lined it with baking paper.)
2. Place the crackers into a zip lock baggie and seal it tightly shut. Roll a rolling pin over them until they become fine crumbs. (You don't want them to be a fine powder, but to have some texture.)
3. Place the cracker crumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and black pepper into a shallow bowl. (You can easily make your own Italian seasoning if you wish. I have a recipe that is quite good here.)
4. Melt the butter in another shallow bowl. (I do this in the microwave. About 30 seconds on high.)
5. Working with one chicken breast at a time, dip them first into the melted butter and then into the cracker crumb mixture to coat them well all over. (I press the crumbs into the chicken so that they stick well.)
6. Place onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle any remaining crumbs over top and then drizzle any remaining butter in the dish over top, dividing it equally. (No waste here.)
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until done and cooked through. The interior temperature should measure 165*F/74*C and the juices should run clear.
8. Serve hot with your favorite sides. (I served with mashed potatoes and canned green beans.)

 

HINTS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• Read through the recipe several times prior to beginning to help familiarize yourself with any ingredients or equipment needed.
• Assemble all of your ingredients before you begin.
• Use the freshest ingredients.
• Lightly pound your pieces of chicken between two pieces of cling film to an even thickness throughout for even cooking.
• Roll your crackers into fine crumbs as much as possible.
• Follow the recommended cook times.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DO I HAVE TO USE CHICKEN BREASTS?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended, but you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if that is all you have.  Bear in mind that they should be pounded lightly to an even thickness for even cooking and the cook time will be a bit longer. You could also use chicken tenders for chicken strips. These would not need to cook as long.

CAN I USE ANOTHER TYPE OF CRACKER?

You can use any kind of cracker that you wish to use, so long as you crush them to crumbs.  Buttery crackers such as Ritz, Tuck or Townhouse will give you a nice rich flavor and texture, however.

CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD OF TIME?

You can certainly coat the chicken ahead of time. Coat and place onto a plate. Drizzle with the extra crumbs and butter. Cover lightly with cling film and refrigerate until you are ready to cook it. Remove from the refrigerator about half an hour prior to cooking and then proceed as per the recipe.

HOW LONG WILL THIS KEEP ONCE COOKED?

This will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to three days after cooking. I do not recommend keeping it much longer than that. Reheat gently in a moderate oven until heated through.

CAN THE LEFTOVERS BE FROZEN?

To freeze any leftovers. Wrap tightly in cling film and then some aluminum foil. Label and date.  This will keep frozen for up to six months but should be used within that time period. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a moderate oven until heated through.

CAN THIS BE MADE GLUTEN FREE?

Yes, simply replace the cracker crumbs with a gluten free option or finely chopped nuts such as almonds or cashews.

 

A FEW OTHER

CHICKEN BREAST RECIPES TO ENJOY

FAJITA CHICKEN BREAST CASSEROLE - This easy casserole is packed with flavor and so quick to throw together! Nutritious and delicious it is loaded with juicy chicken, peppers, and gooey cheese, seasoned with fajita spices, and baked to perfection. This quick chicken casserole dinner is wholesome and tasty.

SIMPLE CHICKEN VOLDOSTANA - This is a simple and delicious dish, which uses only a few ingredients. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Italian ham, cheese, a bit of chicken stock and some white wine. It may look and sound fancy, but I can promise you, that it is not a fancy dish at all. It is simple and humble and delicious.

  

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Yield: Two servings

Author: Marie Rayner

Cracker Chicken for Two

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 40 Min

Moist, juicy and loaded with flavor. Quick and easy to make. Delicious with just the right amount of cracker crunch.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (57g) salted butter
• 15 buttery crackers (something like Ritz, Townhouse, or TUC)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375*F/190*C/ gas mark 5. Butter a small baking sheet, or line with baking paper.
2. Place the crackers into a zip lock baggie and seal it tightly shut. Roll a rolling pin over them until they become fine crumbs.
3. Place the cracker crumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and black pepper into a shallow bowl.
4. Melt the butter in another shallow bowl.
5. Working with one chicken breast at a time, dip them first into the melted butter and then into the cracker crumb mixture to coat them well all over.
6. Place onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle any remaining crumbs over top and then drizzle any remaining butter in the dish over top, dividing it equally.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until done and cooked through. The interior temperature should measure 165*F/74*C and the juices should run clear.
8. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

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