Description
Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering Chicken Ritz Casserole, where golden crackers crown a rich, cheesy chicken filling. Hearty layers of succulent chicken and creamy sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast meat
Main Dairy and Soup:
- 10.75 ounces (305 grams) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
Topping and Seasoning:
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring a consistent temperature for even cooking.
- Create a smooth mixture by thoroughly blending shredded chicken, creamy soup, and tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Transfer the chicken blend into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and combine with melted butter, ensuring each cracker piece is richly coated.
- Generously distribute the buttery cracker topping across the chicken base, covering the entire surface for a crunchy texture.
- Optionally, sprinkle poppy seeds over the cracker layer to add a subtle nutty flavor and visual interest.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that indicate the dish is thoroughly heated.
Notes
- Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce calories and add extra protein, making the dish lighter and more nutritious.
- Use gluten-free Ritz crackers or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners without compromising the crunchy topping.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the chicken mixture for a burst of fresh flavor and enhanced aromatic complexity.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation faster and easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 468 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg