Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole featuring tender shredded chicken combined with creamy soup, topped with crispy Ritz crackers and melted cheddar cheese. This baked casserole is perfect for a family dinner, delivering a crispy, cheesy, and savory flavor in every bite.
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
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix chicken and cream soup: In a large bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Season the mixture: Add garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt to the chicken mixture. Mix thoroughly and taste to adjust seasonings as needed for your preference.
- Layer Ritz crackers: Spread half of the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish to create a crispy base layer.
- Add chicken mixture: Pour the prepared chicken and soup mixture over the cracker layer, spreading it evenly to cover all the crackers.
- Top with cheese and crackers: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the chicken mixture, then sprinkle the remaining crushed Ritz crackers over the cheese layer for a crispy topping.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, cook and shred the chicken breasts before making the casserole. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning salt based on your preference or dietary needs to control sodium content.
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade or low-sodium version for a healthier alternative.
- If you prefer a thicker casserole, reduce the milk slightly.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
