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Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Rebecca Blumer
Enjoy the ultimate comfort meal! This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole combines creamy chicken and a golden cracker topping. Get the recipe here.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 People
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 4 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed
  • 2 cans 10.5 oz each cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 2 sleeves Ritz crackers crushed
  • 6 tablespoons butter melted
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional Onion powder or garlic powder
  • Optional Chopped onions, mushrooms, or other vegetables

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

  • Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter. This helps prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  • Combine the Cream Base:
    - In a medium bowl, place the two cans of cream of chicken soup.
    - Add the sour cream.
    - Whisk or stir them together until smooth. Make sure no lumps remain.
  • Seasoning:
    - Season the cream mixture with salt, black pepper, and any optional spices like onion powder.
    - Stir again to mix all flavors.
  • Incorporate the Chicken:
    - Fold the cooked, shredded (or cubed) chicken into the soup mixture.
    - Make sure each piece of chicken is coated with the creamy sauce.
  • Add Cheese:
    - Reserve about ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese for the topping.
    - Stir in the remaining 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
    - Mix it evenly for a consistent cheesy flavor.

Step 3: Transfer the Filling to the Baking Dish

  • Take your prepared baking dish and spoon the chicken mixture into it.
  • Spread the mixture evenly, creating a smooth layer.

Step 4: Create the Cracker Topping

  • Crush the Crackers:
    - Take 2 sleeves of Ritz crackers and crush them.
    - You can place them in a sealed plastic bag and press with a rolling pin or the bottom of a cup.
    - Aim for medium-fine crumbs, not a fine powder. A little texture is good.
  • Combine Crackers with Melted Butter:
    - Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl.
    - Stir the crushed crackers into the melted butter.
    - Mix until each crumb is lightly coated with butter.
  • Spread the Topping:
    - Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the chicken layer in the baking dish.
    - Spread it evenly to form a complete topping that covers all edges.

Step 5: Add Extra Cheese (Optional)

  • If you love cheese, sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the crackers.
  • This step creates a baked cheese layer that adds color and taste.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

  • Check the Oven Temperature:
    - Confirm the oven is heated to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place in the Oven:
    - Slide the baking dish onto the middle rack.
    - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole bubbles around the edges and the cracker topping turns light golden.
  • Monitor the Top:
    - If the topping starts to brown too fast, you can loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil.
    - This helps prevent burning while still allowing the casserole to cook through.

Step 7: Let It Rest

  • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven.
  • Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes so it can settle.
  • This also helps it hold its shape better when you serve it.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

  • Before serving, you can sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top for color.
  • Scoop out individual portions with a large spoon. Enjoy the warm filling and the crunchy topping in each bite.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: ~25g
  • Saturated Fat: ~11g
  • Protein: ~28g
  • Carbohydrates: ~30g
  • Cholesterol: ~85mg
  • Sodium: ~890mg
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Sugar: ~2g
 
Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided is estimated based on automated calculations and should be viewed as an approximation. These values are offered as a helpful reference and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate results, please consult your own nutritional data or preferred brand values.