Ultimate Crispy Ritzy Chicken Nuggets: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

In the bustling rhythm of modern life, finding a quick, delicious, and genuinely satisfying meal that the whole family will love can feel like a quest. Enter the humble chicken nugget – a beloved classic that brings smiles to faces, young and old. But often, the convenience of drive-thru nuggets comes with the guilt of fried food. What if there was a way to enjoy that crispy, savory goodness without the oil, the mess, or the deep-fryer?

Prepare to revolutionize your mid-week meal routine with these incredible **Ritzy Chicken Nuggets**. These aren’t just any baked chicken nuggets; they’re an experience. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a perfectly seasoned, buttery Ritz cracker crust, then baked to golden-brown perfection. The result? A remarkably crispy texture and an explosion of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, they’re baked, not fried, making them a healthier and equally delicious alternative to your favorite takeout. Quick, easy, and undeniably delicious – these Ritzy Chicken Nuggets are a true game-changer for busy families.

Your Mid-Week Meal Quick Fix: Why These Nuggets Shine

Every parent knows the universal appeal of chicken nuggets. My own kids absolutely adore them, and while I appreciate the convenience of our favorite drive-through chicken, I often cringe at the thought of all that fried food. This recipe for Ritzy Chicken Nuggets offers the perfect solution, delivering all the crunch and flavor kids crave, but in a wholesome, baked format. The secret to their irresistible crispiness lies in the buttery, rich Ritz crackers – no frying necessary!

Beyond being baked, what truly makes these nuggets a mid-week savior is their incredible simplicity. With just three core ingredients and about 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a warm, homemade meal on the table. It’s the ultimate quick fix for those hectic evenings when time is short, but the desire for a satisfying, home-cooked meal is strong. You’ll love them just as much as your kids do, making dinner time a happy occasion for everyone.

Dinner Winner: Effortless & Delicious

Imagine this: a mere three ingredients stand between you and a dinner winner. In approximately 30 minutes, you can transform simple chicken tenders into a crispy, flavorful feast that will impress even the pickiest eaters. This recipe isn’t just fast; it’s a guaranteed hit. Say goodbye to dinnertime dilemmas and hello to happy plates!

To complete this perfect meal, pair your golden Ritzy Chicken Nuggets with some vibrant steamed broccoli for a touch of green, and our creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese for ultimate comfort. This combination is a classic for a reason – everyone is fed, happy, and satisfied. What more could you possibly ask for from a weeknight meal? It’s truly a dinner winner in every sense!

What Do I Need to Make Ritzy Chicken Nuggets? Essential Ingredients & Tools

The magic of these crispy, baked chicken nuggets truly lies in their simplicity, requiring just a handful of staple ingredients and basic kitchen equipment. You’ll be amazed at how such minimal components can create such extraordinary flavor and texture!

Key Ingredients:

(For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the full recipe card below.)

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenders: These are ideal for their uniform size and quick cooking time. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces for similar results.
• Ranch Dressing: This creamy, tangy dressing acts as both a flavor booster and a binder for the cracker coating. Choose your favorite brand or even whip up a homemade version for extra freshness.
• Ritz Buttery Round Crackers: The star of the show! These crackers provide that signature buttery flavor and an incredibly crispy texture when baked. Don’t substitute with plain crackers if you want the “Ritzy” experience!

Essential Equipment:

Having the right tools makes the preparation process even smoother and ensures perfect results every time.

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for tossing the chicken with the ranch dressing, ensuring every piece is evenly coated and flavored.
• Resealable Plastic Bag (gallon-sized): This is your secret weapon for crushing the crackers and coating the chicken with minimal mess and maximum efficiency.
• Rimmed Baking Sheet and Baking Rack: A rimmed baking sheet prevents any crumbs from spilling, while the baking rack is crucial for allowing air to circulate around the nuggets, ensuring an all-around crispy coating without flipping.
• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: For lining your baking sheet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Non-stick cooking spray: For generously coating the baking rack to prevent sticking.

How to Make Ritzy Chicken Nuggets: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Perfection

Making these Ritzy Chicken Nuggets is incredibly straightforward, but a few simple tips can ensure they turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time. Follow these steps for an easy and rewarding cooking experience:

• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for immediate crisping once the nuggets go in. Next, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Crucially, set a baking rack on top of the lined sheet and spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray. The rack is key – it allows air to circulate around the entire nugget, resulting in an evenly crispy coating on all sides. Set this prepared setup aside.
• Step 2: Marinate the Chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine your bite-sized chicken pieces with the ranch dressing. Toss well to ensure every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Allow the chicken to sit in the dressing for at least 5 minutes. This short marination time not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps the cracker crumbs adhere better.
• Step 3: Crush the Ritz Crackers. While the chicken is marinating, place the Ritz crackers into a large resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Using a rolling pin, the bottom of a sturdy glass, or even your hands, crush the crackers until they form fine, even crumbs. Avoid large chunks, as smaller crumbs will create a more uniform and crispy coating.
• Step 4: Coat the Chicken. Using a fork, carefully lift each piece of chicken from the ranch dressing, allowing any excess dressing to drip back into the bowl. This prevents the coating from becoming soggy. Transfer the chicken pieces directly into the resealable bag with the crushed Ritz crackers.

Continue with the coating process:

• Seal the bag tightly, again ensuring most of the air is pressed out. Vigorously shake and toss the chicken in the crushed Ritz crackers until each piece is completely and evenly coated. Don’t be shy – a good shake ensures full coverage and maximum crispiness!

• Step 5: Arrange and Bake. Once all the chicken pieces are beautifully coated, arrange them in a single layer evenly across the prepared baking rack. Make sure to leave a little space between each nugget; overcrowding the rack can lead to steaming instead of crisping.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the Ritz cracker crumbs have turned a beautiful golden brown and are deliciously crispy. To ensure the chicken is safely cooked, an instant-read thermometer should register 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of a nugget.

• Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! Remove the nuggets from the oven and serve them immediately. For an extra treat, offer additional ranch dressing and your favorite barbecue sauce for dipping. The warm, crispy nuggets paired with cool, creamy sauces are an irresistible combination. Enjoy your homemade, baked Ritzy Chicken Nuggets!

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Ritzy Chicken Nuggets

These Ritzy Chicken Nuggets are so delicious, you might not have any leftovers! But if you do, or if you’re planning on making a big batch for meal prep, knowing how to properly store and reheat them is key to maintaining their deliciousness and crisp texture.

Storing Leftovers in the Refrigerator:

To store any leftover Ritzy Chicken Nuggets, allow them to cool completely to room temperature first. This prevents condensation from forming and making them soggy. Once cool, transfer the nuggets to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. They make for excellent quick lunches or snacks throughout the week!

Freezing for Future Meals:

For longer storage, these nuggets freeze beautifully. First, ensure the cooked nuggets are fully cooled. Then, to prevent them from sticking together, flash freeze them: arrange the cooled nuggets in a single layer on a sheet pan (you might need two pans if you have a large batch). Place the sheet pan in the freezer for about 1 hour, or until the nuggets are firm. Once firm, transfer the individual nuggets to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating for Optimal Crispiness:

The key to reheating is to avoid the microwave, which can make them soft and chewy. To restore their wonderful crisp exterior:

• From the Refrigerator: Reheat the chilled nuggets on a prepared baking sheet in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crisp.
• From Frozen: You can reheat the nuggets directly from frozen! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking rack. Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated through and the coating is crispy once more.
• Air Fryer Method: For the ultimate crispiness, an air fryer is a fantastic option. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange a single layer of nuggets in the air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd). Cook for 6-8 minutes for refrigerated nuggets, or 10-12 minutes for frozen nuggets, shaking the basket halfway through, until hot and crispy.
• Toaster Oven: A toaster oven works similarly to a regular oven for smaller batches. Follow the oven instructions above, adjusting times slightly for your specific model.

These Ritzy Chicken Nuggets are truly a recipe that will become a staple in your household. Their ease, deliciousness, and family-friendly appeal make them a perfect choice for any day of the week. If you make these delightful nuggets, please be sure to snap a picture and share it with me! Tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see your wonderful creations. I absolutely love seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the recipes I share. Enjoy every crispy bite!

xoxo,

Ritzy Chicken Nuggets

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• Author: The BakerMama
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 Servings

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Description

These crispy, delicious Ritzy Chicken Nuggets make a quick mid-week meal that kids love! And they’re baked, not fried, so you’ll love them, too.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 30 Ritz buttery round crackers

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set a baking rack in it. Spray the baking rack generously with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken in the ranch dressing. Let set for 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, crush the Ritz crackers in a large resealable plastic bag.
4. Use a fork to lift and let excess dressing drip off each piece of chicken and then place them into the bag of crushed crackers. Seal and toss chicken in the crushed Ritz crackers until each piece is completely coated.
5. Place nuggets evenly across the prepared baking rack. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and Ritz cracker crumbs start to toast and turn golden brown.
6. Serve with more ranch dressing and barbeque sauce for dipping, if desired. Enjoy!