Description
This delicious Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy soup and milk, topped with crunchy crushed Ritz crackers and melted cheddar cheese, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines creamy and crispy textures with savory flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp seasoning salt
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Additional ½ to 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken Base: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, and milk; stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Season Mixture: Add garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt to the chicken mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary to suit your preference.
- Layer Bottom Crackers: Spread half of the crushed Ritz crackers evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful and crunchy base.
- Add Chicken Mixture: Pour the seasoned chicken mixture over the cracker layer, spreading it out evenly with a spatula for uniform cooking.
- Top with Cheese and Crackers: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken layer, then top with the remaining crushed Ritz crackers to add a crispy, cheesy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- You can shred cooked chicken breasts by boiling, baking, or using rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning salt according to your salt preference or dietary needs.
- For extra crunch, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
