Cooking With Beer, Whiskey and Spirits

Cracker-Crusted Chicken with Vodka Glaze

This Cracker-Crusted Chicken with Vodka Glaze recipe combines a crunchy, golden crust with a unique, sweet-and-savory vodka glaze. The crackers add a buttery, slightly salty flavor to the chicken, while the vodka glaze brings a bright, tangy sweetness that complements the crust. This dish has the feel of a gourmet creation but is simple enough to prepare at home, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

The origins of vodka sauces trace back to Italian-American cuisine, where vodka became an unexpected addition in tomato-based sauces for pasta. Its mild, neutral flavor doesn’t overpower other ingredients, allowing bold spices and tangy tomatoes to shine. In this recipe, the vodka glaze doesn’t feature tomatoes but follows the same concept of using vodka to bring out the glaze’s honey and garlic notes. Paired with a cracker crust, this dish is a delightful fusion of Italian-American and homestyle American flavors.

Cracker-Crusted Chicken with Vodka Glaze Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 cups crushed crackers (such as Ritz or saltine crackers)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Vodka Glaze:

• 1/3 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • Begin by creating the crust mixture. In a shallow dish, combine crushed crackers, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This cracker mixture will create a flavorful, crispy coating for the chicken.
   • Set up a breading station by placing the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the cracker mixture in a third dish.
2. Coat the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season them lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
   • One at a time, dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and press it into the cracker mixture to ensure an even coating. Set aside each coated chicken breast on a plate.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and the crust is crisp.
   • Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is crunchy. Baking ensures the chicken is tender and fully cooked without burning the crust.
4. Prepare the Vodka Glaze:
   • While the chicken is in the oven, make the vodka glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine vodka, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
   • Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for 5-7 minutes. The glaze should thicken slightly as it reduces, creating a balanced sweet-and-tangy sauce.
5. Glaze and Serve:
   • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Spoon the vodka glaze generously over each chicken breast, allowing the flavors to meld with the crunchy crust.
   • For a touch of freshness and color, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. The tangy vodka glaze complements starchy sides and vegetables, making it versatile for any meal. The cracker-crusted chicken can also be served with pasta tossed in olive oil or butter for a simple yet satisfying accompaniment.

Enjoy the bold flavors and textures of this unique Cracker-Crusted Chicken with Vodka Glaze – a perfect blend of Italian-American inspiration and comforting homestyle flair!