Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy soup, topped with crunchy Ritz crackers and melted cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection.
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
- Remaining ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Combine Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken breasts along with the cream of chicken soup and milk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt, adjusting seasonings according to your taste preferences.
- Layer Crackers: Spread half of the crushed Ritz crackers evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a crispy base layer.
- Add Chicken Mixture: Pour the prepared chicken mixture over the cracker layer and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Top with Cheese and Crackers: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture, then top with the remaining crushed Ritz crackers to create a crunchy, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of black pepper or paprika to the chicken mixture.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
- Try using low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breasts with cooked shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set.
