Description: This classic Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken breasts baked in a creamy, savory sauce and topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or potluck.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 sleeve (approximately 36 crackers) Ritz crackers, finely crushed (about 1 1/2 cups crushed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat or low-fat, your preference)
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium is recommended)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the Ritz cracker topping becomes perfectly golden brown. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This step is crucial to prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and making it difficult to serve. Using a 9×13-inch dish ensures the casserole layers nicely and cooks uniformly.
Step 2: Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help them brown slightly and absorb the flavors of the seasoning. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s the foundation of the casserole’s savory flavor. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth of flavor if you prefer. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish, ensuring they aren’t overlapping.
Step 3: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Use a fork to thoroughly mix the ingredients until the cracker crumbs are evenly coated with the melted butter. The butter helps the crackers crisp up in the oven and provides a rich, buttery flavor. Ensure the Parmesan cheese is finely grated so it distributes evenly throughout the cracker mixture. Set this mixture aside for now. The Ritz cracker topping is what gives this casserole its signature texture and flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole: Spread the sour cream evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. This creates a creamy layer that helps keep the chicken moist and adds a tangy flavor to the casserole. Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth. The chicken broth thins out the soup, creating a sauce that coats the chicken and adds moisture to the casserole. Pour this soup mixture evenly over the sour cream layer.
Step 5: Top and Bake: Sprinkle the Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the soup layer, ensuring the entire surface is covered. This topping will become golden brown and crunchy as the casserole bakes, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy chicken and sauce. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish (Optional): Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Secondly, the combination of flavors and textures is irresistible. The tender, juicy chicken is complemented by the creamy, savory sauce, and the crunchy, buttery Ritz cracker topping provides a delightful contrast. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Moreover, this casserole is highly adaptable. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or diced onions. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a complete meal on its own or paired with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. Finally, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or to prepare a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a true classic that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot, directly from the baking dish.
- Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
- A side of mashed potatoes or rice complements the creamy sauce nicely.
- For a heartier meal, serve with a crusty loaf of bread for soaking up the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Tips:
- To prevent the Ritz cracker topping from browning too quickly, cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat sour cream and salted butter.
- Add vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or diced onions to the casserole for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can substitute other buttery crackers or even breadcrumbs.
- Make sure to crush the Ritz crackers finely for the best texture.
- Adjust the amount of chicken broth to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35-40 minutes Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving – varies based on specific ingredients and serving size)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 30-40g
- Sodium: 700-900mg
Conclusion:
The Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory waiting to be made. It’s the kind of dish that brings families together around the dinner table, offering warmth, comfort, and a taste of home. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this casserole is a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with love and care. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of sharing a delicious and heartwarming meal with those you love.
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use different types of crackers for the topping?
- Absolutely! While Ritz crackers are the classic choice, you can definitely experiment with other types of buttery crackers like Keebler Club crackers or even breadcrumbs. The key is to ensure the crackers are crushed finely and evenly coated with melted butter for that signature crispy texture.
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to allow it to come to room temperature slightly. This will ensure even cooking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from a colder temperature.
- What can I add to this casserole to make it more nutritious?
- There are several ways to boost the nutritional value of this casserole. Adding vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, diced onions, or peas is a great way to incorporate more vitamins and minerals. You can also use whole wheat Ritz crackers for a bit more fiber. Swapping the regular sour cream for a lower-fat version or Greek yogurt can also reduce the calorie and fat content without sacrificing too much flavor.
- Can I use different types of soup in this recipe?
- While cream of chicken soup is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cream-based soups like cream of mushroom or cream of celery. These variations will add a slightly different flavor profile to the casserole. You can also use a combination of different cream soups for a more complex flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount of chicken broth as needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- How do I prevent the chicken from drying out while baking?
- To ensure the chicken remains moist and tender, avoid overbaking the casserole. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can also add a layer of moisture by using a generous amount of sour cream and chicken broth. Another tip is to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before placing them in the baking dish. This will help them cook more evenly and prevent them from drying out.
