Easy Homestyle Chicken & Ritz Crackers Casserole Recipe
Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible crispy chicken casserole that packs creamy textures and crunchy ritz cracker topping.
Golden-brown layers promise a delightful dining experience sure to satisfy hearty appetites.
Tender chicken nestles beneath a buttery, crisp cracker crust that adds unexpected crunch to every bite.
The blend of simple ingredients creates a dish that speaks to classic home cooking traditions.
Melted cheese and seasoned chicken combine in a harmonious mix that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.
Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you serve this crowd-pleasing casserole.
This recipe guarantees smiles and second helpings at your table.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 420 kcal
Servings: 7
What Goes Into Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers
For Protein Base:For Creamy and Flavor Enhancers:For Crispy Topping:Tools For A Crunchy Chicken Casserole Finish
Steps To Bake Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers
Warm your kitchen to a cozy 350°F and give your baking dish a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.
Toss shredded chicken, creamy soup, tangy sour cream, sharp cheese, and a sprinkle of seasonings into a mixing bowl. Stir until everything hugs together perfectly.
Spread the chicken mixture across your prepared dish, making sure it’s smooth and inviting.
Crush Ritz crackers and shower them with melted butter. Drift this golden topping across the chicken landscape.
Slide the casserole into the oven and let it dance for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a bubbly center and a toasty golden top that screams “eat me!”
Let the casserole catch its breath for a few minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, shower some fresh parsley on top and get ready to devour this comfort food masterpiece.
Tasty Tips For Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers
Best Ways To Serve Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers
How To Store Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers
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Crispy Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 7 1x
Description
Hearty chicken casserole with ritz crackers combines comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Crispy cracker topping and creamy filling make this classic midwestern meal a perfect family dinner. Comfort awaits you at the table.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (720 ml) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie)
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (10.5 oz/298 g) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preparation: Grease a baking dish and position the oven rack centrally, preheating to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking conditions.
- Mixture Creation: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream soup, sour cream, cheese, and seasonings, whisking thoroughly to ensure a uniform and flavorful base.
- Assembly: Elegantly spread the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer that promises consistent texture and taste throughout the casserole.
- Topping Development: Crush Ritz crackers and blend with melted butter, creating a golden, crisp coating that will add textural contrast to the creamy chicken base.
- Crumb Application: Generously sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs across the entire surface of the chicken mixture, ensuring complete coverage for maximum crunchiness.
- Baking Process: Carefully transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown top and bubbling edges that indicate complete heating.
- Finishing Touch: Extract the casserole from the oven, allow a brief resting period to let flavors meld, then optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Optimize Chicken Moisture: Shred chicken while still warm to maintain tenderness and prevent dryness, ensuring each bite remains juicy and flavorful.
- Cracker Coating Technique: Crush Ritz crackers unevenly for varied texture, creating a more interesting and crispy top layer that provides multiple crunch levels.
- Soup Base Customization: Swap cream soups with homemade versions or Greek yogurt for reduced sodium and healthier alternatives without compromising richness.
- Temperature Control: Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow internal temperature to stabilize and prevent burning, helping ingredients set perfectly and enhancing overall flavor integration.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
John Nicholson
Lead Writer & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling
Education
Johnson & Wales University
John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.
His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.
Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen