Description
This classic Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken, savory cream of chicken soup, and a crispy Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s a family-friendly recipe that combines simple ingredients into a deliciously golden and cheesy casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp seasoning salt
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Additional crushed Ritz crackers (about ½ cup to top)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Season the Mixture: Add garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt to the chicken mixture. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasonings to your taste preference.
- Create Base Layer: Spread half of the crushed Ritz crackers evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crunchy base layer.
- Add Chicken Mixture: Pour the seasoned chicken mixture over the cracker base. Spread it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Add Cheese and Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture, then add the remaining crushed Ritz crackers on top for a crispy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Shredded chicken can be pre-cooked by boiling or roasting before assembling the casserole.
- For extra flavor, add chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the mixture.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a blend for a different taste profile.
- Ensure the baking dish is greased well to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
