Last Updated on July 15, 2023
Heavenly Chicken is an American dish that consists of boneless and skinless chicken breasts topped with a creamy mixture of sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika.
The topping is finished off with a crunchy layer made from crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. It’s one of those dishes that looks great, tastes amazing and is surprisingly easy to make.
It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, and it will have your family asking for seconds!
In this article we’ll explain what ingredients you need, how to make it and provide cooking tips.
What Is Heavenly Chicken?
Heavenly Chicken is a classic American dish that consists of boneless and skinless chicken breasts topped with a creamy mixture of sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. The topping is then finished off with a crunchy layer made from crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter.
It’s one of those dishes that looks great, tastes amazing and is surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, and it will have your family asking for seconds!
Besides, this dish is a great way to use up any pantry staples you have on hand. From the Ritz crackers to the sour cream and spices, most of these ingredients are likely already in your kitchen.
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Where Did I First Try Heavenly Chicken?
I first tried Heavenly Chicken at a dinner party hosted by my friend’s mom. She had made it the day before and heated it up in the oven right before serving. Everyone loved it!
The creamy topping was the perfect combination of savory flavor and a hint of sweetness. The crunchy layer made up of crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter was the perfect contrast to the tenderness of the chicken.
My friend’s mom told us that she had found the recipe online, but I’m sure it had been around for years before then. Its popularity has grown so much over time that I often see it featured in Southern cooking magazines and on food blogs.
When I returned home, I decided to make the dish for my family. It was a hit! Everyone loved it and we made it multiple times over the next few weeks. Since then, Heavenly Chicken has become one of our family favorites.
Ingredients
Sour Cream: Sour cream is necessary to give Heavenly Chicken a creamy texture.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder and Paprika: These spices are what make this recipe amazing! They add so much flavor to each bite.
Ritz Crackers: Ritz crackers add a crunchy layer on top of the chicken that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the sour cream.
Butter: Melted butter helps the crackers stick to the chicken when baking.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the main ingredient in this recipe.
Parsley: Parsley is for garnish, but it adds a nice pop of color to the finished dish.
Directions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, spread evenly apart.
Step 2
In a medium bowl mix together sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Spread mixture over the chicken breasts.
Step 3
In another medium bowl, mix together crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until it forms a crumbly mixture. Spread over the chicken breasts.
Step 4
Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Cooking Tips
- Try to find chicken breasts that are all the same size and thickness, so they cook evenly.
- If your chicken breasts are too thick, you can pound them lightly with a mallet or heavy skillet before adding the sour cream mixture and Ritz crackers.
- Don’t overbake! The chicken should be cooked through, but it shouldn’t get dry.
- When you take the Heavenly Chicken out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow for maximum flavor.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
- If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use Greek yogurt or mayonnaise in its place.
- You can also substitute crushed corn flakes, panko breadcrumbs or even pretzels for Ritz crackers.
- If you don’t have butter on hand, you can use olive oil as a substitute.
Equipment
- Oven
- 2 medium bowls
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- parsley for garnish
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, spread evenly apart.
- In a medium bowl mix together sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Spread mixture over the chicken breasts.
- In another medium bowl, mix together crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until it forms a crumbly mixture. Spread over the chicken breasts.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Video
Notes
- Try to find chicken breasts that are all the same size and thickness, so they cook evenly.
- If your chicken breasts are too thick, you can pound them lightly with a mallet or heavy skillet before adding the sour cream mixture and Ritz crackers.
- Don’t overbake! The chicken should be cooked through, but it shouldn’t get dry.
- When you take the Heavenly Chicken out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow for maximum flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
Each serving of Heavenly Chicken is about,
- 206 calories,
- 12 grams of fat and
- 7 grams of protein.
How to Store Leftover Heavenly Chicken?
Leftover Heavenly Chicken can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through or enjoy cold. Also, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, as long as the chicken has been cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Pregnant women should also avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs, meat and poultry.
Is this a gluten-free dish?
No, Ritz crackers are not gluten-free. You can use crushed corn flakes, panko breadcrumbs or pretzels as an alternative to make it gluten-free.
Can I make Heavenly Chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Wrapping Up
Heavenly Chicken is a quick and easy meal that your whole family will love. It’s packed with flavor from the garlic powder, onion powder and paprika and has a crunchy texture from the Ritz crackers. Plus, it’s relatively healthy for a weeknight dinner! Serve with your favorite side dishes and you have a complete meal on the table in no time.
Besides, this dish can be customized to your tastes and dietary preferences. Try adding different herbs and spices or experiment with different types of crackers. No matter what you do, it’s sure to be a hit. Please share this recipe with your friends and family and don’t forget to rate it if you try it. Thank you.
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more
