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Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Ritz cracker chicken casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables with its crispy, creamy layers of pure satisfaction. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a Southern-style dish that promises warmth and deliciousness in every single bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Main Proteins:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup diced cooked chicken

Crackers and Breading:

  • 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Wet Ingredients and Seasonings:

  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt

Cheese and Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, eggs, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well-integrated.
  3. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks, ensuring uniform cooking and easy serving.
  4. Fold the diced chicken and chicken chunks into the creamy sauce, coating each piece thoroughly.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers, breadcrumbs, and grated parmesan cheese to create a crunchy topping.
  6. Transfer the sauced chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken layer, creating a rich, melty foundation.
  8. Distribute the cracker-breadcrumb mixture uniformly across the top of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes to allow the sauce to set.
  11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.

Notes

  • Swap cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce for a cleaner, less processed alternative that boosts flavor and reduces sodium.
  • Replace whole milk with low-fat or plant-based milk to create a lighter, diet-friendly version without compromising creamy texture.
  • Toast breadcrumb topping in a skillet before adding to enhance crunchiness and develop deeper, nuttier flavor profiles.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère or smoked gouda to elevate the casserole’s complexity and add unexpected richness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg