Description
Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible Chicken Ritz Casserole, blending crispy crackers with tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce. Hearty layers promise a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds and you craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast meat
Creamy Base:
- 10.75 ounces (305 grams) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Topping and Seasoning:
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 stick (1/2 cup or 113 grams) butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.
- Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create a uniform layer.
- Crush the Ritz crackers into fine, textured crumbs, breaking them down completely for optimal coverage.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, ensuring it is completely liquefied and smooth.
- Combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter, stirring until every crumb is saturated and glistening.
- Sprinkle the poppy seeds over the buttered cracker mixture for an optional subtle flavor and visual appeal.
- Distribute the cracker topping uniformly across the chicken layer, creating a complete golden-brown coverage.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns a rich, crispy golden color and the edges begin to bubble.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the layers to set and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat and add protein, making the dish healthier and tangier.
- Crush Ritz crackers coarsely for extra crunch and better texture in the casserole topping.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving option that adds more flavor complexity to the dish.
- Prepare casserole ahead and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and deepen for a more delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 422
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1024 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 78 mg