Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, a dish that brings together perfectly cooked chicken, a delightful creamy sauce, and a crispy Ritz cracker topping. This casserole is not only easy to prepare but also a hit at family gatherings. With its comforting flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a staple in your household. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is both delicious and comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 6 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 20g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. This nutritional information is based on a standard serving size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing well.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter.
- Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute cooked chicken with turkey or rotisserie chicken for added flavor. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and low-fat cheese.
Serving and Pairings
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or rice.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just be sure to thaw before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t skip the salt; it enhances the flavor significantly.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked before adding to the casserole.
- Don’t overbake; this can dry out the casserole.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to set.
Helpful Tips
- Use a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties for unique flavors.
- Prep the casserole a day ahead for easy baking.
- Add vegetables like peas or broccoli for extra nutrition.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use homemade cream of chicken soup or a different cream soup variety like cream of mushroom.
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, but you can use gluten-free crackers as a substitute for Ritz crackers.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Peas, corn, or broccoli make great additions for extra flavor and nutrition.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a delightful dish that combines convenience and flavor, making it a perfect choice for family dinners. Its creamy texture and crispy topping bring comfort to the table, and with easy substitutions and variations, you can make it your own. Enjoy this satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone!
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing well.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter.
- Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
