Description
Zesty cracker chicken bites deliver a crispy sensation of Southern comfort that elevates weeknight dinners. Crunchy breading and tangy seasoning create an irresistible appetizer you cannot resist sampling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 sleeve (about 35) Ritz crackers, crushed
- ½ cup (118 mL) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsps (30 mL) butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsps (30 mL) milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Crush crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
- Breading Setup: Arrange three shallow dishes – first with seasoned flour, second with whisked eggs, and third with cracker crumbs to create a streamlined coating process.
- Chicken Preparation: Slice chicken into consistent bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform cooking and elegant presentation.
- Coating Technique: Systematically coat chicken pieces by first dredging in seasoned flour, then dipping in eggs, and finally rolling in cracker crumbs, pressing gently to create a complete, crisp exterior.
- Baking Configuration: Position coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow proper air circulation and even browning.
- Cooking Method: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, rotating the pan midway. For air fryer enthusiasts, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket periodically.
- Doneness Verification: Confirm chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) with a golden-brown exterior, indicating perfect cooking.
- Resting and Serving: Allow chicken bites to rest briefly, enabling juice redistribution and coating stabilization. Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauce for a delectable culinary experience.
Notes
- Cracker Selection Strategy: Choose buttery or salted crackers for enhanced flavor depth, ensuring a more robust taste profile in the final dish.
- Coating Technique Mastery: Press cracker crumbs firmly onto chicken to create a thick, even layer that guarantees maximum crispiness and prevents falling off during cooking.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal chicken temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy, tender meat.
- Dietary Adaptation Hack: Substitute gluten-free crackers and cornstarch for flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture or taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg