Description
A comforting and creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole featuring tender shredded chicken baked with a savory blend of cream soup, sour cream, and spices, topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers for a delightful crunchy finish. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 1.5 lb chicken breasts)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole evenly.
- Mix Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese if using. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the dish, smoothing out the surface.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until all crumbs are fully coated with butter.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling, ensuring an even layer for a crispy golden crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cracker topping turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience and time-saving.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables to the filling for added nutrition and texture.
- For a stronger flavor, try adding a pinch of paprika or dried parsley to the cracker topping.
