Jacy Craving a comforting, no-fuss dinner that delivers both incredible flavor and crowd-pleasing satisfaction? Look no further than the classic combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a buttery, crunchy topping. This dish is the ultimate weeknight savior, transforming simple ingredients into a family favorite with minimal effort.
Today, we’re diving into the beloved easy chicken casserole recipe ritz, a dish that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. The magic truly lies in that golden, crispy crown made from everyone’s favorite buttery cracker. You’ll find that this ritz cracker chicken casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and forgiving, making it a perfect staple for your recipe collection.
Table of Contents
Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots), thawed
- 1 1/2 sleeves Ritz crackers (about 45 crackers), crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Gently fold in the thawed mixed vegetables until they are evenly distributed throughout the creamy chicken base.
4. Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cracker crumbs are evenly coated.
6. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken layer in the baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly around the edges and the topping is a deep golden brown. For the perfect easy chicken casserole recipe ritz, that golden, buttery crust is your sign it’s done. This classic ritz cracker chicken casserole is ready to bring warmth and comfort to your table.
8. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture for a cheesy twist.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and low-sodium soup.
- Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker preparation.
- Spice it up by adding a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cracker topping.
Serving & Storage
Serve this hearty casserole hot, directly from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or with steamed green beans. For storage, allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish, covered with foil, in a 325°F oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole (without the cracker topping) for up to 2 months. Add the topping just before baking.
Nutritional Benefits
This casserole provides a good source of lean protein from the chicken, which is essential for muscle repair and satiety. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Using whole or reduced-fat dairy contributes calcium and vitamin D. While it’s a comforting dish, the recipe can be easily modified to adjust sodium and fat content based on your choices for soup, sour cream, and butter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Soggy Topping: Ensure your cracker crumbs are coated thoroughly in butter; this creates a barrier against moisture. Also, avoid over-mixing the topping into the filling.
- Dry Filling: Not using enough creamy binding agents (soup, sour cream, broth) can lead to a dry casserole. Measure accurately and don’t skimp on these.
- Underseasoned Dish: The soup provides salt, but the chicken and vegetables need help. Always taste your mixture before baking and adjust seasonings. The cracker topping also benefits from the addition of Parmesan and herbs.
- Overbaking: Bake just until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden. Overbaking can cause the sauce to break or the topping to burn.
- Skipping the Rest: Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions.
Final Conclusion
Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a Tuesday night or need a reliable dish for a potluck, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Its creamy interior and iconic crunchy topping create a texture and flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. We hope this guide empowers you to master this comforting classic. Don’t wait to try this incredibly satisfying easy chicken casserole recipe ritz for yourself. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate homemade comfort with this fail-proof ritz cracker chicken casserole. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I make this Ritz cracker chicken casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (including adding the topping) up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers for the topping?
Buttery round crackers like Town House or Club crackers are excellent substitutes. For a different texture, you could use panko breadcrumbs tossed with melted butter, or even crushed potato chips.
My cracker topping got soggy. How can I prevent this?
Ensure the cracker crumbs are well-coated in butter, as it acts as a moisture barrier. Also, make sure your creamy chicken mixture isn’t too watery; if using frozen vegetables, thaw and drain them well. Bake the casserole on the middle rack for even heat distribution.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully and can add even more flavor. Just be sure to cook and shred them before adding them to the mixture.
How can I tell when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is ready when the filling is hot and bubbling visibly around the edges of the baking dish and the Ritz cracker topping is a uniform, deep golden brown. An internal thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165°F.
