Description
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make baked dish featuring shredded chicken coated in a creamy cheese and soup mixture, topped with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole combines classic flavors with a satisfyingly crunchy topping and comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 1/2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed (about 36 crackers)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the casserole base.
- Season and Add Cheese: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley or thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until evenly combined to infuse flavor.
- Add Chicken: Fold the cooked shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated, then spread this filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted unsalted butter, and the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cracker crumbs are evenly moistened with butter for a crisp topping.
- Top Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture, fully covering the surface to create a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly along the edges and the Ritz cracker topping turns golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, allowing it to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the creamy mixture.
- Can substitute parsley with dried thyme or Italian seasoning based on preference.
- If desired, substitute cheddar cheese with a sharp white cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
