Description
This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is an easy and comforting dish combining tender shredded chicken with a rich cream of chicken soup base, topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole bakes to golden perfection in just 40 minutes, delivering a deliciously creamy yet crispy texture that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken Base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Spread Chicken Mixture: Evenly spread the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the cracker pieces are well coated and evenly moistened.
- Add Topping to Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the surface of the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole before serving to add a fresh color and flavor contrast.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- The Ritz cracker topping can be customized by adding a pinch of paprika or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use light cream soup.
- This casserole pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
