Easy Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers: A Comforting Family Favorite
As the sun set, the smell of chicken casserole filled the kitchen. It took me back to my childhood. This dish was a staple in our home, bringing us together at dinner.
The Ritz cracker topping added a nice crunch. It went well with the tender chicken and creamy sauce. This recipe has been loved for years, showing the power of simple ingredients.
This chicken casserole with comes from the Blue Willow Inn Restaurant in Georgia1. It’s a favorite among many home cooks. It’s great for any family size and is easy to make1.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love how comforting and satisfying it is.
The filling is rich and creamy, with chicken, sour cream, and soups. The Ritz cracker crust adds a nice crunch2. You can serve it with rice, pasta, biscuits, or toast. This casserole will quickly become a favorite in your home2.
Table of Contents
Why This Creamy Chicken Casserole Will Become Your Go-To Dinner
Looking for a comforting, family-friendly meal for busy weeknights? This cracker-topped casserole is perfect3. It only takes 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, making it a lifesaver3.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This casserole uses affordable ingredients like rotisserie chicken and Ritz crackers3. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance or freeze it for 2 months3. It’s great for meal planning.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients
This casserole is a budget-friendly gem4. It needs just a few affordable items: rotisserie chicken, canned soups, sour cream, and Ritz crackers5. It’s a delicious, affordable meal.
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Options
This casserole is very versatile3. You can prep it ahead and refrigerate it for 24 hours or freeze it for 2 months3. It’s perfect for busy families.
With its easy prep, affordable ingredients, and make-ahead options, this casserole will be a favorite3. Enjoy its comforting flavors and convenience any night.
Essential Ingredients and Substitutions for Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers
Making the perfect creamy chicken casserole with a buttery ritz topping starts with the right ingredients. The creamy base, flavorful chicken, and crunchy topping all matter. Together, they make a delicious southern-style casserole.
Key Components for the Creamy Base
The creamy base is a mix of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and cream of mushroom soup6. Chicken broth adds a rich, velvety texture. It brings all the flavors together.
Choosing the Right Chicken
For the best taste, use 5-6 cups of cooked, shredded chicken6. It can be from a rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts. Season the chicken with your favorite herbs and spices for extra flavor.
Crackers and Topping Options
The buttery ritz topping is made with 2 sleeves of Ritz crackers and 1½ sticks of melted butter6. Try different flavored crackers, like garlic or herb, for a unique taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked Chicken | 5-6 cups6 |
| Ritz Crackers | 2 sleeves (approx. 60 crackers)6 |
| Unsalted Butter | 1½ sticks (melted)6 |
| Sour Cream | 1 cup |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can7 |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can7 |
| Chicken Broth | As needed |
With these ingredients and some substitutions, you can make a creamy chicken casserole with a buttery ritz topping. It will be a hit with your family7.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Making this easy chicken casserole recipe is simple. First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C)8. In a big bowl, mix two cans of cream of chicken soup with melted butter8. Add shredded chicken breasts or thighs, or both, until everything is well mixed8.
Next, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Put the chicken and creamy mix into it. You can also add shredded cheese on top8. Now, make the baked chicken dish topping. Crush Ritz crackers and mix them with melted butter and a bit of celery seed8. Spread this mix over the casserole for a crunchy layer8.
Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, until it’s hot and bubbly8. When it’s ready, garnish with fresh parsley if you like8. Serve this easy chicken casserole recipe hot and enjoy!
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Cubed chicken breast or thighs, or a mix of both8 |
| Cream of chicken soup | 2 cans of undiluted8 |
| Butter | Melted butter for both the casserole filling and the cracker topping8 |
| Ritz crackers | Used for the buttery, crunchy topping8 |
| Celery seed | Seasoning for the cracker topping8 |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | Minced fresh parsley for garnishing8 |
| Baking time | 30 to 35 minutes, uncovered, until golden brown and bubbly8 |
Tips for the Perfect Buttery Ritz Topping and Serving Suggestions
Make your family-friendly chicken casserole even better with a crispy Ritz cracker topping. Crush the Ritz crackers coarsely9 and mix them with melted butter9. This will give you a golden-brown topping that’s perfect with the creamy casserole.
Creating the Ultimate Crunchy Layer
Crush the Ritz crackers into medium pieces for the best texture9. Coat them with melted butter9 and spread them evenly over the casserole before baking. The buttery crunch will add a nice contrast to the soft filling.
Side Dish Recommendations
Enjoy your buttery Ritz-topped chicken casserole with classic Southern sides. Try it with fresh broccoli, tangy green beans, or brown sugar glazed carrots10. These sides will balance the richness of the casserole and make dinner comforting.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days10. Reheat it covered in foil at 350°F for 15-20 minutes10. Or, microwave it for about 1 minute10 for a quick, hot meal.
Follow these tips to make your chicken casserole even better. Add your favorite sides for a delicious, comforting meal that everyone will enjoy10911.
Conclusion
The chicken casserole with Ritz crackers is a classic, comfort food that will win over your family’s hearts12. It’s creamy, crunchy, and easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family-friendly meals12.
This casserole can be made ahead and frozen for up to two months1314. It’s a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly and time-saving dinner1214. You can also make it your own by adding different veggies, proteins, or cheeses12.
In short, the chicken casserole with Ritz crackers is a comforting, tasty, and practical dish. It’s a great way to bring your family together for a homemade meal12. Its creamy and crunchy mix, along with its make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature, make it a must-have in your kitchen131214.
