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Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
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The Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe is a simple, wholesome, and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce and a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this casserole delivers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that both kids and adults love. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s a go-to recipe that’s versatile and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2–3 chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 to 2 lbs), cooked and shredded or cubed
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup sour cream or mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ to 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken breasts or thighs thoroughly by baking, poaching, or pan-searing until there is no pink inside. Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred or cube it for the casserole.
  2. Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream or mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended to create a creamy sauce base.
  3. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the shredded chicken into the sauce mixture and gently fold until the chicken is fully coated, ensuring every bite is rich and flavorful.
  4. Layer in a Baking Dish: Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly to create the creamy center of your casserole.
  5. Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and mix them with the melted butter. If using, add shredded cheddar cheese and blend well. Sprinkle this topping generously and evenly over the chicken mixture.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Notes

  • Use fresh, fully cooked chicken for the best flavor and texture.
  • Ensure the cracker topping is spread evenly to achieve consistent crunchiness.
  • Do not skimp on butter in the topping to enhance flavor and crispiness.
  • Taste the creamy sauce before assembling and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken for easier serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, creamy chicken casserole, easy chicken dinner, comfort food, baked chicken casserole, crispy cracker topping

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/ritz-cracker-chicken-casserole-recipe/