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Chicken Ritz Cracker Casserole

Chicken Ritz Cracker Casserole - Sweet Mama's Kitchen

If you’re on the lookout for a crowd-pleaser that combines ease and comfort, you’ve landed in the right place. Picture this: a warm, cheesy casserole topped with crunchy Ritz crackers. 
The first time I stumbled upon the Chicken Ritz Cracker Casserole recipe, I wasn't expecting much. Just a few ingredients, seasoned chicken, and—voilà! A hug-in-a-dish that’s sure to impress.
Trust me; this isn’t just another casserole. It’s a hearty dish that strikes the perfect balance between homely comfort and gourmet allure. Your family will adore it. Friends will demand the recipe, and you? You’ll bask in the culinary acclaim.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 440

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers crumbled
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for a tangy kick
  • 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken fully cooked
  • 10 ½ oz can of condensed chicken soup
  • 1 cup of thick sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A bit of warm-up helps everything come together nicely, ensuring an evenly cooked casserole.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, condensed chicken soup, sour cream, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s fully combined. Give it a taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
  1. Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure every corner is filled.
Step 4: Prepare the Cracker Topping
  1. In a separate bowl, combine the crumbled Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Make sure every piece of cracker gets a good coating. Then, sprinkle this buttery goodness evenly over the chicken mixture.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
  1. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the cracker layer. It’ll melt beautifully while baking.
Step 6: Bake
  1. Pop the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown, and the casserole should be bubbly around the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
  1. Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This cooling time allows the flavors to settle. Serve with one of those great pairings mentioned earlier!

Notes

  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: If time is tight, store-bought rotisserie chicken saves you the hassle of cooking and shredding.
  • Add Vegetables: Sneak in some veggies like peas, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
  • For Extra Flavor: Try adding a sprinkle of paprika or Italian seasoning to the chicken mixture for an additional flavor boost.
  • Check Doneness: Every oven is different. Make sure the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown before pulling it out.
  • Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set for easier serving.